2011 Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien with soft tannins and a

with soft tannins and a long decadent aftertaste

with mocha

iron and cranberry arise from this blend of nine vineyards

What an aroma to this red with so much dried-orange-peel and tangerine character

the dark fruit and licorice flavors smoothed by oak

2011 Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien with soft tannins and aInky, tarry nose, showing depth over charm therefore better than many a 2011, which often lack both. Encouragingly, it also improves in the glass. The palate is rather raw, showing alcohol and some bitterness. This is not an easy early drinker like the 2012. It has some good stuffing up front, and appealing grip to finish a superior 2011 for sure.