2014 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien

Blackberry, blackcurrant, cedar, black pepper, menthol freshness, and a briny saline note drifting in from the Gironde — medium-full bodied, with ultra-round tannins, a dense center palate, and a finish of extraordinary purity and length that is fully open and singing right now. The 2014 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a Second Growth Saint-Julien from 75 hectares of large, well-draining gravel soils perched directly above the Gironde estuary — the name translates as "beautiful stones," a reference to the terroir itself. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. HVE3 certified sustainable, no herbicides, no chemical fertilizers. The Borie family has owned this estate since 1941 — Bruno-Eugène, the third generation, took the helm in 2003 and halved Grand Vin production from 180,000 bottles to 90,000, a decision that tells you everything about where his priorities lie. Now at eleven years old and fully resolved. Cellar to 2030 or open it tonight with two hours of decanting.