Château Ducru Beaucaillou
Domaine Ducru Beaucaillou: presentation and quality of wines
Château Ducru Beaucaillou is a 75-hectare wine estate owned by the Borie family. The estate owes its name to its terroir of large stones. It is one of the oldest estates in Gironde, with traces of its history dating back to the late 18th century. Its wines were ranked 2nd Grands Crus in the Médoc classification in 1855. Overview of the estate's history and presentation of its wines
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The Age of Enlightenment, the beginning of the history of the Ducru Beaucaillou estate
The history of the estate began on May 30, 1720, when Marie Dejean, heiress to the vineyard, married the châtelain Jacques de Bergeron. The château remained the property of the Bergeron family until 1795, when it passed into the hands of Bertrand Ducru, a Bordeaux deputy and wine merchant. He undertook a colossal project, modifying the château's cellars and developing the land. His efforts resulted in an illustrious second place in the 1855 Grands Crus classification. His successors, satisfied with his achievements, decided to add his name Ducru to that of Beaucaillou. After his death, one of his children, Marie-Louise Ravez, sold the estate to Lucie Caroline Dessier in 1866. The latter was married to Nathaniel Johnston, a wine merchant and Beychevelle's deputy in Saint-Julien. Nathaniel Johnston also brought qualitative improvements to the grape varieties, such as the discovery of an effective solution against mildew. But the catastrophic effects of the Great Depression forced them to sell the estate to the Desbarats family in 1929. This family were also wine merchants. The estate remained in their possession for 12 years before coming under the control of the Borie family, who still own it today
Quality of Domaine Ducru Beaucaillou wines
The domaine's vineyards begin 800 m from the mouth of the Gironde and extend westwards. The soil is characterized by large stones. These stones store the sun's heat and release it to the vines at night. They also protect the plant roots from drying out in hot weather. The Château Ducru Beaucaillou vineyard is planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The percentage of each grape variety varies according to the vintage. The average age of the vines is 35 years, but there are also old vines near the château dating back to 1918. The estate adopts sustainable viticulture. Since 2018, the current owner has been moving towards 100% organic farming. To produce the wine, the estate macerates the crushed grapes for 7 days. Vinification then takes place in stainless steel vats of various sizes for two weeks, with pump-overs. After this stage, the grape juice is fermented in concrete vats before being aged in 75-90% new oak vats for 18-20 months.
The domaine produces several vintages that age very well. Some of these cuvées are legendary among the finest Grands Crus. Younger wines, on the other hand, offer an intense concentration of flavors and powerful tannins. Decant for 3 to 4 hours to allow the wine to soften
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1945: even if the Saint-Julien appellation is not classified as a 1er Grand Cru, it has all the character of one, especially as it has immense ageing potential. Composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot Noir, this wine at its peak reveals a beautiful bouquet of aromas accentuated by magnificent notes of spice, cedar wood and black pepper. The fabulous nose reveals itself on the palate with juicy flavors and no sign of age. After a few minutes in the glass, it expresses all its finesse and elegance with light tannins. Best enjoyed on its own, without food. A rare pleasure for wine lovers.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1959: this Saint-Julien red, harvested in 1959, is also a wine of incredible elegance. The years have not dimmed its seductive nose, generous palate and inimitable flavors. A little tannin that surprises with a long finish. This promotional treasure is a bargain for connoisseurs and discerning buyers alike. It's also a good plan for toasting the New Year or celebrating a special bond that will lead to a happy ending between two people. This wine is available in a single bottle. Due to its rarity, the bottle is damaged halfway down the shoulder, but its racy character, aromas and flavors are wonderfully preserved by time. A great wine that lives up to its 2nd growth appellation.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1972: This rare vintage from the Saint-Julien appellation is a beautifully colored red wine with seductive aromas of violets, cherries, with a hint of cedar, leather and ripe blackcurrant. Its silky tannins and good length make it a perfect match for beef, game and lamb.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1973: the large pebbles that litter the estate's soil have made it possible to produce this extraordinary wine, at once discreet, elegant and sappy, which is also being promoted on this site. The brilliant ruby color reveals a lovely, supple, fruity bouquet, enhanced by notes of violets and cedar wood. The juicy palate reveals infinitely fine tannins and great freshness. A perfect wine for aperitifs and main courses (meat, game, grilled fish). A bouquet that can also age beautifully.
Finally, the balance between tannin, structure and acidity varies according to vintage, grape variety and wine-growing region. Don't hesitate to choose between several bottles before making your selection.
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Promotion Deal for amateursBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1945 MSSpecial Price €900.00 €750.00 Regular Price €1,188.00stock: 1
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Promotion Deal for amateursBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1971 TSSpecial Price €162.00 €135.00 Regular Price €240.00stock: 1
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Bordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1977 Half-Bottle€72.00 €60.00stock: 7
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Promotion Deal for amateursBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1982 Bottle (75cl) VSDSpecial Price €390.00 €325.00 Regular Price €468.00stock: 1
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1988Special Price €168.00 €140.00 Regular Price €216.00stock: 24
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 Original Wooden Case of 12Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1994Special Price €150.00 €125.00 Regular Price €180.00stock: 3
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 2000Special Price €250.80 €209.00 Regular Price €300.00stock: 1
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Bordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 2002€162.00 €135.00stock: 21
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 2003Special Price €210.00 €175.00 Regular Price €216.00stock: 9
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 Original Wooden Case of 12Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2004Special Price €150.00 €125.00 Regular Price €174.00stock: 67
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Bordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 2006€180.00 €150.00stock: 16