Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien - 2019

75 cl

James Suckling: 98 points

Alcohol content: 14.2% vol.

Grape varieties: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot

Vinification:

Barrique ageing up to 18 months.

Tasting note:

The powerful and muscular Ducru-Beaucaillou 2019 offers aromas of cassis, raspberries and cherries intermingled with hints of violet and iris, framed by a generous use of creamy new oak. It is full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, rich but lively, with a deep fruit core and a rich array of ripe, powdery tannins.

Greater maturity and stricter selection over the last two decades have helped this Red wine from France The wine has brought what owner Bruno Borie calls extra "punch" in the form of unprecedented amounts of anthocyanins and tannins, but all this substance and structure will require some patience before we see if Ducru is still Saint-Julien's most elegant wine.

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of the most renowned wineries in the Bordeaux region and is known as Second Grand Cru Classé (Second Growth) in the official 1855 classification. It is situated in the appellation Saint-Julien in the Médoc and is often regarded by connoisseurs as a „Super Second“, as its quality in top vintages can rival that of the five famous Premier Cru estates. 

Profile & Origin

– Name & Origin: The name „Beaucaillou“ translates as „pretty pebbles“. He refers directly to the terroir’s soils, which are interspersed with large quartz pebbles that store heat during the day and ensure excellent drainage.

– Location: This magnificent château is situated in the eastern part of the appellation, right on the banks of the Gironde estuary. This microclimate reliably protects the vines from late frosts and moderates extreme temperatures.

– Guided tour: The vineyard has been owned by the Borie family since 1941 and is now run by the charismatic Bruno Borie led by [name], who has drastically reduced yields in order to maximise the concentration and precision of the wines. 

Style & Characteristics

The wines of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou are characterised by a remarkable Elegance, symmetry and exceptional durability from. 

– Grape varieties: The cuvées are strongly influenced by the Cabernet Sauvignon predominant (often 80–85%), supplemented by Merlot.

– Sensors: Typical aromas include deep notes of ripe blackcurrants (cassis), dark berries, fine cedarwood, graphite, violets and delicate spices.

– Ageing potential: When young, these wines are often powerful and reserved. They usually only reveal their full potential after 10 years of bottle ageing and can effortlessly Ageing from 30 to over 50 years.