(JS 96-97 points) Excellent depth with very good concentration. Lots of dusty, small-grained tannins. Densely packed, with nervy minerals, blackberries, dark chocolate, violets and cassis. Full-bodied and very fresh, with a lengthy finish. Structured and tightly framed. Shows good potential. 86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% merlot. - Zekun Shuai

(JD 94-97 points) As to the Grand Vin, the 2024 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is based on 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Merlot, resting in 100% new oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a terrific 2024 that defies the challenges of the vintage. Pure cassis, darker currants, graphite, crushed stone, and sappy violet notes all emerge on the nose. It's medium-bodied, with a beautifully layered, concentrated mid-palate, ripe yet velvety tannins, and a great finish. This classic Saint-Julien will benefit from bottle age and is another brilliant effort from the team. It's one of the richer, more structured wines in the vintage, yet it remains balanced, precise, and never overdone.

(JL 94-96 points) Asian spices, violets, flowers, saffron, licorice, and black with red currants define the perfume. The palate is lifted, juicy, and focused. There is balance between the wine's energy, purity, and vibrancy, which produces a classic-styled wine (In a good way). The energetic finish is enhanced by the wine's chalky tannins and crispness on the backend. Produced from blending 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 14% Merlot, 13.34% ABV, 3.81 pH. Picking took place from September 23 -- October 7. Yields were 24 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2028-2055.

(TWI 94-96 points) Deep garnet-purple in color. Strides out with classic notes of crushed black currants, fresh black plums, and pencil shavings, plus hints of violets, licorice, and black olives with a touch of menthol. The medium-bodied palate delivers a firm frame of grainy tannins and well-knit freshness to support the blackberry flavors and spicy undertones, finishing on a lingering anise note. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

(VN 94-96 points) The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a sleek, elegant wine. Silky tannins give the 2024 its distinctly mid-weight, lithe personality. Readers will find a gracious Ducru built more on persistence and nervy tension than size or opulence. Blue/black fruits, lavender, cloves, menthol and chocolate open over time. It will be fascinating to see how this ages. -- Antonio Galloni

Lovely aromatics on the nose, deep vivid purple. Floral scents and lots of Cabernet markers, dried mint, clove, aniseed and blackcurrants. Cool and crunchy straight away, this has a gorgeous smooth texture with ripe and concentrated fruit. I like this, it feels restrained and not overdone with a silky fruit profile and firm but fine tannins. There's a softness to this and a long length with a push of flavour. It has a deep, dark fruit aspect - not too sharp or sour, balanced in terms of acidity and fruit with wet stones, graphite and liquorice on the finish. Elegant and enjoyable. 3.8pH.

A gorgeously vivid, lifted nose, with floral aromatics, dark berry and cassis fruits, fleshy but understated, elegant and finessed, squid ink, sandalwood, incense, maintains estate signature and is full of pleasure, 100% new oak for ageing, 3.8 pH. Harvest 23 September to 7 October.

(WA 91-93 points) The 2024 Ducru-Beaucaillou is showing well at this stage, unfurling in the glass with a perfumed bouquet of dark berries, flowers, gentian and fresh licorice, interwoven with delicate spicy nuances. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and seamless, it is lively and refined, with somewhat firm tannins leading to a gently grippy finish. This was harvested between September 30 and October 15. - Yohan Castaing