Ducru Beaucaillou 1986

The 1986 Ducru-Beaucaillou has been variable over the years due to the roof taint. This one? Well, it is not offensive, but it is rather innocuous, anonymous for such a great Left Bank vintage, lacking delineation and intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannins, simple but balanced with a slightly tart finish. I would happily drink it, but considering the stature of both château and vintage, it ought to have been miles better. Tasted at the Ducru Beaucaillou vertical at the château. - Neil Martin - This bottle of 1986 Ducru Beaucaillou originates from the period when roof taint affected many bottles, but not all of them. Apparently, the château has a machine that can check to see if there is a taint in the remaining bottles or not. If so, the bottle is released. However, I have reservations about this example. I have drunk the 1986 several times and this feels expunged of Ducru personality or Saint-Julien character. The nose is pastille-like but missing real character. There is nothing faulty, and yet on the palate the wine comes across as excessively fleshy and without the backbone I expect from a 1986, rather sterile and flat. None of us finish our glass. Tasted from a bottle bought on release and tasted at “Brat” restaurant in London.