Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is 2ème Grand Cru Classé property in Saint Julien on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. The word “Beaucaillou” translates as "beautiful stones" because of the large pebbles which cover the soils of the estate. This property can trace its roots back to the C13th, making it one of Bordeaux’s most historic estates.
Bertrand Ducru purchased the estate in 1795. He added his name to the winery which quickly earned fame under the name of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. Successful Bordeaux wine merchant Francis Borie acquired the estate in 1941 (there is hope for us all!). Since 2003, Bruno Borie has been the proprietor and he is firmly in charge of everything that takes place here. Bruno is largely responsible for the recent stratospheric rise of this estate.
The 75 hectare Saint Julien vineyard is planted with a neatly proportioned 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, Bruno’s arrival was swiftly followed by a ruthless yet necessary reduction in yields, resulting in production dropping from 13,000 cases to 9,000 cases in his first vintage (2003) alone. The relentless quest to elevate what was already one of the region’s great wines to amongst the very best hasn’t ceased some 17 years later.
All manner of non-intrusive technology is employed at Ducru-Beaucaillou, from GPS and electrode growth-tracking to the introduction of laser-based sorting tables in the winery. All plots are, as is the case with most of the serious Bordeaux producers, vinified separately according to the fruit’s very individual needs. Aged almost entirely (90%+) in new oak, it is a testament to both the prowess of the Ducru team, aided by revered consultant Eric Boissenot, as well as the transcendent terroir that this wine remains so restrained, polished, pure and ultimately elegant.
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James Suckling (99-100)
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.Inc. TAX€2,792.77 -
James Suckling (99-100)
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.Inc. TAX€660.25 -
James Suckling (99-100)
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.Inc. TAX€1,234.38 -
James Suckling (99-100)
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.Inc. TAX€1,092.78 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Really perfumed and complex with blackberries, blackcurrants and flowers. Gorgeous cabernet sauvignon character. Full-bodied with really fine, polished tannins. Superb length and intensity. Very compact and seamless. Ethereal. Just goes on and on.Inc. TAX€1,858.38 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Really perfumed and complex with blackberries, blackcurrants and flowers. Gorgeous cabernet sauvignon character. Full-bodied with really fine, polished tannins. Superb length and intensity. Very compact and seamless. Ethereal. Just goes on and on.Inc. TAX€1,462.38 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)
The 2021 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a pretty significant departure from the past, as it is nearly pure Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, aristocratic wine, the 2021 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate and leather are some of the myriad nuances that develop with some aeration. The 2021 is so well balanced. The 100% new oak, often quite dominant in Ducru en primeur, is so well integrated, likely because lower alcohol extracted less oak imprint. The 2021 is a drop dead gorgeous wine, and a Ducru for the ages. Superb.Inc. TAX€3,503.74 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)
The 2021 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a pretty significant departure from the past, as it is nearly pure Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, aristocratic wine, the 2021 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate and leather are some of the myriad nuances that develop with some aeration. The 2021 is so well balanced. The 100% new oak, often quite dominant in Ducru en primeur, is so well integrated, likely because lower alcohol extracted less oak imprint. The 2021 is a drop dead gorgeous wine, and a Ducru for the ages. Superb.Inc. TAX€1,316.87 -
(3x150cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
This has aromas of blackberries and blackcurrant, as well as graphite and flint. Some gunpowder. ItExpected Price Range€1,047 - €1,244 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
This has aromas of blackberries and blackcurrant, as well as graphite and flint. Some gunpowder. ItExpected Price Range€1,047 - €1,244 -
James Suckling (92-93)
What a beautiful nose with currants and spices and hints of filtered coffee. Full and silky with beautiful texture and length. Second wine. Excellent.Inc. TAX€672.62 -
James Suckling (92-93)
What a beautiful nose with currants and spices and hints of filtered coffee. Full and silky with beautiful texture and length. Second wine. Excellent.Inc. TAX€1,040.46 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Features notes of dark plum, raspberry and anise, with singed spice and subtle black tea shadings. Displays refined structure and length for the vintage. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 90-93 -JMInc. TAX€440.81 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Features notes of dark plum, raspberry and anise, with singed spice and subtle black tea shadings. Displays refined structure and length for the vintage. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 90-93 -JMInc. TAX€610.21 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Features notes of dark plum, raspberry and anise, with singed spice and subtle black tea shadings. Displays refined structure and length for the vintage. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 90-93 -JMInc. TAX€574.38 -
Decanter (95)
So much purity and definition, this is a beautiful wine with clarity of flavour. Touches of grilled almond and rosemary, mocha, smoke and coffee bean, there is so much freshness, with juice rushing in between the muscles and a mint leaf finish. 3.78pH, 60% new oak. Yields were 25-30hl/ha. In a year where second wines in the Médoc have sometimes suffered from over-concentration, La Croix de Beaucaillou is a standout success.Inc. TAX€327.18 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (94-95)
The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.Expected Price Range€201 - €239
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James Suckling (99-100)
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.In Bond€2,290.00 -
James Suckling (99-100)
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.In Bond€544.00 -
James Suckling (99-100)
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.In Bond€1,010.00 -
James Suckling (99-100)
A very powerful Ducru with intense tannins and backbone, showing blue fruit, black tea and tobacco. Full-bodied with impressive structure and so much tannin. It goes on for minutes. Very traditional. Owner Bruno Borie said it is a wine to last forever and I have to agree. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot.In Bond€892.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Really perfumed and complex with blackberries, blackcurrants and flowers. Gorgeous cabernet sauvignon character. Full-bodied with really fine, polished tannins. Superb length and intensity. Very compact and seamless. Ethereal. Just goes on and on.In Bond€1,530.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Really perfumed and complex with blackberries, blackcurrants and flowers. Gorgeous cabernet sauvignon character. Full-bodied with really fine, polished tannins. Superb length and intensity. Very compact and seamless. Ethereal. Just goes on and on.In Bond€1,200.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)
The 2021 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a pretty significant departure from the past, as it is nearly pure Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, aristocratic wine, the 2021 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate and leather are some of the myriad nuances that develop with some aeration. The 2021 is so well balanced. The 100% new oak, often quite dominant in Ducru en primeur, is so well integrated, likely because lower alcohol extracted less oak imprint. The 2021 is a drop dead gorgeous wine, and a Ducru for the ages. Superb.In Bond€2,875.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96-98)
The 2021 Ducru-Beaucaillou is a pretty significant departure from the past, as it is nearly pure Cabernet Sauvignon. A deep, aristocratic wine, the 2021 possesses remarkable intensity from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, bittersweet chocolate and leather are some of the myriad nuances that develop with some aeration. The 2021 is so well balanced. The 100% new oak, often quite dominant in Ducru en primeur, is so well integrated, likely because lower alcohol extracted less oak imprint. The 2021 is a drop dead gorgeous wine, and a Ducru for the ages. Superb.In Bond€1,075.00 -
(3x150cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
This has aromas of blackberries and blackcurrant, as well as graphite and flint. Some gunpowder. ItExpected Price Range€1,047 - €1,244 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
This has aromas of blackberries and blackcurrant, as well as graphite and flint. Some gunpowder. ItExpected Price Range€1,047 - €1,244 -
James Suckling (92-93)
What a beautiful nose with currants and spices and hints of filtered coffee. Full and silky with beautiful texture and length. Second wine. Excellent.In Bond€548.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
What a beautiful nose with currants and spices and hints of filtered coffee. Full and silky with beautiful texture and length. Second wine. Excellent.In Bond€842.00 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Features notes of dark plum, raspberry and anise, with singed spice and subtle black tea shadings. Displays refined structure and length for the vintage. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 90-93 -JMIn Bond€355.00 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Features notes of dark plum, raspberry and anise, with singed spice and subtle black tea shadings. Displays refined structure and length for the vintage. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 90-93 -JMIn Bond€490.00 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Features notes of dark plum, raspberry and anise, with singed spice and subtle black tea shadings. Displays refined structure and length for the vintage. Tasted non-blind. Score range: 90-93 -JMIn Bond€460.00 -
Decanter (95)
So much purity and definition, this is a beautiful wine with clarity of flavour. Touches of grilled almond and rosemary, mocha, smoke and coffee bean, there is so much freshness, with juice rushing in between the muscles and a mint leaf finish. 3.78pH, 60% new oak. Yields were 25-30hl/ha. In a year where second wines in the Médoc have sometimes suffered from over-concentration, La Croix de Beaucaillou is a standout success.In Bond€254.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (94-95)
The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.Expected Price Range€201 - €239