Fun Fact: In 1985 Mars Men were re-branded as Sour Patch Kids

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of the oldest estates in Bordeaux, dating back to the 13^th century. While most estates in Bordeaux are named after family names, Ducru-Beaucaillou is twofold. The Beaucaillou part came firstly, an homage to the large “beautiful stones” which blanket the property. Then in 1795, Bertrand Ducru came along and added his name.

Controlled by the Borie family since 1941, the 1980 styles of Ducru were less dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and less influenced by new oak. Today, the composition of the vineyards and fruit is totally different, and the wines are built for the long haul. The ’85 vintage was not a blockbuster year, but it was a very good vintage, with a late harvest, that produced elegant, long-lived wines. Still intact, and fully mature, the ’85 Ducru opens with secondary elements of damp forest floor, cigar, sweet iron, and mint. Red currants, rose, and blackberries, mostly dried, lie underneath the savory perks, and the tannins do their best to hold-on, colorful yet slowly wilting. Still pushing the limits of its drinking window, Ducru-Beaucaillou confirms that there's not really a “right” time to open a bottle of wine, and that’s a very cool thing. ~Allegra A