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Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien 2003

$18999

Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of the iconic names of Saint-Julien, and 2003 captured the chateau in a particularly sumptuous register. The blistering hot, drought-shaped vintage produced ripe, opulent wines that have matured faster than classical years, and at twenty-plus years this Ducru is drinking generously - exotic fruit, sweet tobacco, and the cedary perfume that fans of the estate love. Decant and drink rather than cellar further. A rare chance to taste a great Saint-Julien at full maturity.

Shipping

Every step of the journey is managed to uphold the integrity of each bottle.

  • Nationwide Access: Flat-rate shipping available to most U.S. states with delivery in 3-5 business days.
  • Temperature-Monitored Shipping: We closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions to ensure shipments travel safely, with insulated packaging and refrigerated transport available when required.
  • Wine-Specific Protective Packaging: Specialized materials designed to maintain label integrity and prevent breakage during transit.
  • Provenance Assured: All wines are maintained in climate-controlled conditions at our shop until the moment of dispatch.

Returns & Exchanges

We stand behind every bottle we sell.

  • If the wine is less than 10 years old and it is corked, you may return it to us for a full refund or exchange within 60 days of purchase. You must show us proof of purchase. We understand that you may not live near a shop and that it is difficult to ship open bottles of wine to us, so if there's any problem feel free to Contact Us and we'll work it out.
  • For wines older than 10 years, the consumer bears the risk of a faulty cork, but we accept returns of older bottles if the wine is faulty as a result of improper storage. Please come by the store or Contact Us if there is a problem.
  • We may, at our discretion and to the extent permitted by law, accept returns of unopened wines within 30 days of purchase if they were properly stored by the purchaser, subject to a 15% re-stocking fee.

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Have Questions?

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Hours

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Saturday: 12pm - 5pm

CLOSED SUNDAYS

Email: help@flatiron-wines.com
Phone: (415) 780-1405


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Antonio Galloni

93 points

"The 2003 Ducru-Beaucaillou, picked 15-25 September and matured in 90% new oak, has a ripe and opulent bouquet with lavish black fruit, fresh fig, dates and a touch of liquorice, though here is no sense of over-maturity here. It is fresher than a lot of ‘03s that I have recently tasted. The palate is well balanced with supple, rounded tannins. There is a real candied essence to this Ducru-Beaucaillou, with quite a pronounced liquorice finish that you want to go back to. This is ageing well - one of the better wines of this infamous growing season. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château." —Neal Martin

Robert Parker

94 points

"Produced the very first year that Bruno Borie took over management of the estate, there was no leaf thinning in July during this notoriously hot summer, allowing for more shade on the bunches. Medium to deep garnet in color with a touch of brick, the 2003 Ducru-Beaucaillou reveals opulent notes of Indian spices, cigar box, sandalwood and licorice with a crème de cassis and plum preserves core plus a hint of rose oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a firm, chewy texture and lovely freshness delivering a very long, spicy finish." —Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Decanter

95 points

"The 2003 has a very different oak management in style with toasted notes intertwined with a delicate array of dark berries, spices, graphite, and liquorice. It's medium to full-bodied with nicely integrated oak aromas and delivers immense complexity and character. Black berries and spices with aeration. The palate is fleshy and has velvety tannins and long, penetrating finish. It's already approachable yet will keep for 20 years."

Wine Spectator

94 points

"Alluring aromas and flavors of warm fig bread, espresso, roasted mesquite and blackberry confiture are fleshy and impressively rendered, with a noticeable plum skin and toothy loamy edge."

Wine Enthusiast

91 points

"This is a solid, powerful wine packed with tannins and heavy black fruits. As so often, Ducru is taking its time, and this wine is still knitting itself together. But in future years, watch for the generosity, the richness as well as the finesse and freshness. Imported by Diageo Chateau & Estates." —Roger Voss

More about Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

Ducru is a 'super-second' – a second-growth estate that can manage 1st-growth quality in certain vintages.

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot , Other Regional Grapes , Red Blend

  • Vintage

    2003

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Sustainable

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Full Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Roast duck with cherries, braised short ribs, venison, aged comte and stilton.

Tasting Profile

Full-bodied, ripe, and opulent with macerated black fruit, sweet tobacco, cedar, and resolved tannins.

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