Raun Kupiec

8.9

Lots of tar, tea, and maybe a bit of deep fruit, but I found it quite closed even after more than an hour uncorked. Tannins were still prominent but the wine was just not fragrant enough this time. I usually really love Phélan Ségur, this time it was just good. — 4 months ago

with Eli and Barbara

Delectable Wine

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9.3

The 1996 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a vintage that I have not tasted for a number of years. Matured in two-thirds new oak, it has an open and expressive bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit, estuarine scents, touches of liquorice emerging with time. It is higher-toned than the 1995 with iodine evolving with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent tannins, fresh acidity, quite sweet in the mouth and maybe like the 1995, just missing that complexity and terroir expression that I think has defined recent vintages from this estate. Maybe it is slightly compromised by some Merlot (25%) that was picked a but later, but still, there is a lot of pleasure to be found in this 1996. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. (Neal Martin, Vinous, July 2022)
— 4 years ago

Christina Ahlheim

9.0

Found at Walmart! — 5 years ago

Glenn Nick

9.3

Thanks @Jimmy E ! — 7 years ago

Jerry Raphael

9.5

I purchased this wine for $60 as a Bordeaux future offering from MacArthur’s in DC, with the hope of opening it when my younger son—born in 1982—was old enough to share it. We finally did just that this Thanksgiving, celebrating both him and the bottle.
The fill was mid-shoulder, but the family was together and it felt like the right moment. I gave it about an hour in the decanter before dinner. Early on it showed blackberries, a touch of veg, lead pencil, cedar notes and a smooth elegant finish. As the evening went on it opened a bit more, gaining some depth.
A few hours later I revisited the small amount I’d saved and found it had dried out some—but that was expected for a 43-year-old First Growth. Ultimately, it was a wonderful experience and a memorable way to share both the wine and the moment with family.
— 6 months ago

NG

9.0

Smooth, medium body with dry finish. Found at Rosmore LCBO $17 — 4 years ago

Heather Rostker

9.1

Great Tempranillo, we like their Rose so excited to try this one. Dave found in Vermont — 5 years ago

with Dave

Jay Kline

9.4

Flight #2 of our 1997 Retrospective and these were the thoroughbreds. Presented single-blind; no formal notes. Wine #1 had great color, was developing, and probably the earthiest of the group but still had a lovely fruit profile. A really nice balance of fruit and non-fruits. Robust structure. Notably, this was the only bottle in the flight that had Brettanomyces…and while I found it to quite charming, this is what ultimately got me hung up on whether I thought this was the Dominus or the Monte Bello. Ultimately I called the later. I really dig this and wish I could afford more Dominus in my life. Drink now and through 2035. — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Found a bottle, aging nicely. A blend of 76% Cab Sauv, 8% Cab Franc, 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec & 4% Petit Verdot, 18 months in 60% new French oak, deep Ruby, purple edges, with aromas of berry fruit, sweet herb and earthy spice. On the palate flavors of cherry, ripe blackberry and currants with notes of cacao and sweet herbs. Long finish, grippy ripe tannins ending with graphite and earthy mineral. Drink now & over next few years, I still have a few bottles in cellar! — 4 years ago

David Walser

9.4

Thanksgiving with relatives. Brother-in-law never has had an Opus One so I dug into the cellar and found my last one; a 1989 half bottle. I thought it was passed its prime but the brother-in-law thought it was wonderful! I’m not remembering where this vintage rated. Some people just like the funkiness of old wines but I just like them much younger. It was time for this one to go away and am glad some got some enjoyment out of it. His rating, not mine. I gave up on the brand several years ago, sold off my collection at a profit and haven’t looked back. I’ll try it if it is presented to me but don’t have a desire to purchase anymore. — 4 years ago