The year 1976 was very hot and dry in Bordeaux. However the conditions were not right to produce a 1982 style wine, and most wines were easy drinking and matured fairly early. Most should have been consumed many years ago.
The 76 Ducru I opened had been stored properly since release. It was still fairly dark with just a bit of brick around the rim. It had a quite strong cassis character. The tannins are resolved. The acid tends to the low side. It is still holding well in general and is very easy to drink. It lacks the complexity of the best vintages.
M. Broadbent had only older tasting notes to mention in his most recent book. He stated: " Ch Ducru-Beaucaillou frankly very contradictory notes. Certainly not a shrinking violet; mouthfilling, surprisingly tannic. . Feb 1988. Probably *** but second opinion needed." It sounds as if there may have been more than the usual bottle variation with this wine.