Proprietor Bruno Borie referred to this as "the Indian Summer vintage." Medium to deep brick in color with a hint of brown, the 1988 Ducru-Beaucaillou gives up pronounced notes of leather, Chinese five spice, sandalwood and cigar box with a core of dried figs and cranberries plus hints of fruitcake and smoked meats. Medium-bodied and mature, the palate still possesses a fair bit of chew with lingering notions of exotic spices and black tea, finishing with a fragrant dried herbs lift. Readers should note that this vintage fell within a notoriously patchy period at Ducru, where the cellar is likely to have fallen victim to TCA or a TCA-like taint, and it appears some bottles were impacted from 1986 to 1994. By 1995, the chateau had a completely new vat room/cellar and the problem ceased. Therefore, there could be some bottle variation to be had with this vintage. This bottle, however, was pristine, tasted at the chateau.

The 1988 is a medium-bodied wine without the depth and intensity of fruit of the 1989. It has high tannins, good ripeness, and it is another Medoc that appears to recall the style of the 1966 vintage. Anticipated maturity: 1996-2008. Last tasted, 5/93.
-Wine Advocate #88 Aug 1993

I have been able to taste this vintage on several occasions, and each time I have had the impression that something is amiss, either due to lack of ripeness or a touch of TCA. There are earthy notes as well as some green bell pepper, spices, and oak. It is medium-bodied but the tannins remain firm, and the finish is quite short.