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.
Lastly, the 2020 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is another legendary wine from this château that has been on an incredible run over the past decade. A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot that was brought up all in new French oak, it has a saturated purple hue to go with an incredible, mineral-laced bouquet of crème de cassis, liquid violets, graphite, and tobacco leaf. More structured and concentrated than any of the Léovilles, this blockbuster, deep, concentrated, full-bodied Saint-Julien has off-the-charts purity, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. I wrote in my notes, "Like the 2010, only better." You won't find a more concentrated yet flawlessly balanced and elegant wine out there. It's going to need a decade of cellaring and will have 40, 50, if not 60 years of longevity.
100 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2023)
The 2020 Ducru-Beaucaillou, 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, is deep garnet-purple in color. Classic notes of cassis, cedar, and graphite open out to nuances of menthol, tilled soil, tobacco, and violets. The medium-bodied palate is refreshing and savory, with grainy tannins and a long minerally finish. This is classic Ducru.
99 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent (Sep 2023)
Evocative and moreish, a Ducru that beguiles and delights from the start with a scented nose full of cedar, rose, violets, cherries and damsons - a riot of Cabernet typicity. Vibrant and pulsing on the palate, this has grip and intention from the get-go. Massy, full and wide in the mouth - there’s density and this is broad but it’s delicate too - a sense of weightlessness with such movement and energy and a soft sweet, succulent grip throughout. Powerful with present tannins that unravel slowly so there’s time to appreciate the details as they come. A thoughtful and intellectual wine that leaves a smile on your face.
99 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Jan 2023)
I've tasted this vintage a few times recently, and each time its proved impossible to resist, showcasing precision and crafting, with concentrated and intense cassis and bilberry fruits, loaded up with cigar box, slate, sage and a delicate caress of crushed roses. Harvest September 11 to 30. Emmanuel Bonneau technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant. Anniversary of the founding 1720 marriage between Jacques de Bergeron and Marie Dejean, heiress of the vines that would become Ducru Beaucaillou, so this marks 300 years from the birth of the property.
98 points, Jane Anson (May 2023)
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