As one of a handful of Second Growths in St. Julien, Ducru-Beaucaillou ranks among the region's most highly regarded Chateaux, crafting a top rated Grand Vin that delivers a "big bang for the buck," especially in the top vintages like those featured here. Earning 95+ point ratings and unanimous critical acclaim, this comprehensive selection of outstanding Ducru-Beaucaillou encompasses a range of the Chateau's top rated vintages, from the exceptional 97pt 1982 with 40 years of pristine cellaring to the perfect 100pt 2009 and 2018, all at different stages of their long-lived evolution and at the best prices on the market.
Perched among centuries' old parkland with incomparable views of the Gironde estuary, the majestic, Victorian-style Chateau of Ducru-Beaucaillou has been home to the Borie family for over 60 years, originally named for the abundant quartz stones strewn throughout its vineyards ("beau caillou" translates as "beautiful stones"). Working with esteemed consultant Eric Boisseneot, third generation Bruno Borie has presided over "Super Second" Ducru's spectacular rise in quality, spearheading the transition to sustainable organic viticulture while implementing stricter yields and constructing a modern winemaking facility with the largest cellars in the Medoc. Enjoying a microclimate of moderate temperatures due to their proximity to the Gironde, the vineyards are planted mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon with about one third Merlot on a mix of marl, pebbles and flat stones, forcing the vines to go deep for nutrients while retaining moisture and enhancing even ripening, yielding complex Grand Vins with astonishing longevity.
From the 97pt 1982 declared "one of the all-time great Ducrus" by Robert Parker, to the Wine Spectator Top 100 2015, rated 98pts by Bordeaux expert Jane Anson, summing it up as "great stuff!" to the 100 pt. 2018 that "will go down in the annals of this historic estate" according to the Wine Enthusiast's Roger Voss, Ducru-Beaucaillou has earned rave reviews from critics across the board, some vintages to enjoy now and some rewarding patient cellaring – all terrific choices for Bordeaux fans, whether putting together a vertical tasting or selecting a few favorite vintages, ready to stash away in original wooden cases.
One of the wines of the vintage in the Medoc, the 2017 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou comes from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot from tiny yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare. Brought up in new barrels, it offers stunning notes of pure creme de cassis, unsmoked tobacco, lead pencil, and crushed rocks. Showing a touch of spring flowers with air, full-bodied richness and depth, awesome tannin quality, and a laser-like level of precision and purity, it’s going to need a decade of cellaring yet will have 40-50 years of prime drinking. Hats off to proprietor Bruno Borie for another magical wine.
98 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2020)
Attractive, intense aromas of ripe blueberries, currants and more savory, tarry notes, as well as iodine, violets and cassis. The palate has a supple and succulent feel. This is cabernet in outright seductive mode, offering such fluid tannins and mouth-filling length. A blend of 90% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. One of the stars of the vintage. Drink or hold.
98 points, James Suckling (Dec 2020)
Deep purple-black in color, the 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou slowly unfurls to reveal beautifully fragrant notes of warm kirsch, wild blueberries, fresh red and black currants and violets with wafts of underbrush and Earl Grey tea. Medium-bodied, the palate has great freshness and elegance, with very well-played, plush tannins and bags of perfumed fruit, finishing on a lingering spicy note. The wine was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot.
96+ points, Wine Advocate (Mar 2020)
The 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou is racy, deep and opulently beautiful. In 2017, Ducru is very red-fruited and floral, with tons of inner sweetness and nuance to match its sumptuous, exotic personality. Mint, spice, chocolate and licorice accents add character as the 2017 gains brightness, aromatic purity and detail with a bit of air. Bruno Borie gave the 2017 18 months in 100% new oak. Along with Beychevelle, Ducru is the most flamboyant wine in Saint-Julien. Tasted two times.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2020)
While the dense and dark tannins are prominent, they can't mask the exuberant fruit that wants to burst out. Blackberry flavors are impressively ripe and rich, shot through with acidity that gives the wine salinity as well as freshness. At the back, those tannins will allow the wine to age over many years. Don't drink before 2024.
96 points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast (Mar 2020)
A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, the 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou is deep garnet in color. It comes bounding out of the glass with eager-to-please scents of fresh blackcurrants, black raspberries, and kirsch followed by hints of dark chocolate, clove oil, and dried mint. The medium-bodied palate shimmers with bright, intense, black and red berry layers, framed by super-plush tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
96 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Sep 2023)
The 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou is the first wine of the fantastic vertical tasting held by Bruno Borie. It has both a deep and elegant bouquet of dark berries, blueberry, spices, and blackcurrant; as well as a fine palate, polished tannins, and a perfectly balanced texture. This is not the most perfumed of the line-up but both the texture and tension are very elegant. This is a worthy emissary of this underestimated vintage.
96 points, Yohan Castaing, Decanter (May 2021)
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