2004 Ducru Beaucaillou

[hotwine]

Had picked up a couple of these and just had to give one a try when she said we were having NY strips with fresh squash and oven-broiled tomatoes. I know, it's 'way too young.

Nice ripe red color, nose of red fruit, pencil shavings.... more red fruit on entry, a bit of cigar ash joining the pencil.... just not fully developed. Finish was OK but still subdued. 13% alc/vol and about $69 (choke, wheeze). Two hours in the decanter before dinner was insufficient for this youngster to evolve. Will likely not purchase any more.

[Bucko]

Young Bordeaux is difficult to evaluate, isn't it?

[Innkeeper]

You were only about seven years early!

[hotwine]

The young ones are really hard to judge.... and I'm short on patience. Would rather waste one now needlessly than wait several years only to have it poured at my wake. BS on that!