Ducru Beaucaillou was named the world’s best 2009 Cabernet blend in a blind tasting yesterday, according to the Drinks Business. The event comprised 30 Cabernet blends from Bordeaux, California, Tuscany, Chile, Australia and South Africa, while the tasters were from the UK press, and included several MWs and the Drinks Business’ editor-in-chief Patrick Schmitt. In coming first, Ducru 2009 beat all five Bordeaux First Growths.
Ducru 2009 was awarded 100 points by Robert Parker, and the impact of his score on its price can be seen in the chart above – prices rose in March 2012 when the in-bottle scores were released. Since then, it has traded between £1,800 and £2,130 per 12×75, with the latest trade at £1,850.
The wine may have wowed Parker and yesterday’s tasters, but not everyone would pick the 2009 as Ducru’s stand-out vintage. James Suckling awarded it 96 points, in contrast to the 100 score he gave the 2010 (to which Parker gave 98+). As shown below, Ducru 2010 trades for around 20% less than the 2009, with the last trade at £1,440.
Critics unanimously agree that both are great wines, but it is hard to say from the scores which is better. What is not without doubt – and what yesterday’s tasting cements – is that in recent years Ducru Beaucaillou has been making some of the best Cabernet blends in the world.
