Château Ducru Beaucaillou
Domain Ducru Beaucaillou : presentation and quality of the wines
Château Ducru Beaucaillou is a 75 hectare wine estate belonging to the Borie family. The estate owes its name to its terroir composed of large stones. It is one of the oldest estates in the Gironde, with traces of its history dating back to the end of the 18th century. Its wines were classified as 2nd Grands Crus in the Médoc classification in 1855. Overview of the history of the estate and presentation of its wines.
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The Enlightenment, the beginning of the history of the Ducru Beaucaillou domain
The history of the estate began on 30 May 1720 when Marie Dejean, the heiress of the vineyard, married the squire 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. The latter undertook a colossal task by 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 property to Lucie Caroline Dessier in 1866. The latter was the wife of Nathaniel Johnston, a wine merchant and deputy of Beychevelle in Saint-Julien. Nathaniel Johnston also made 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 property to the Desbarats family in 1929. This family was also a wine merchant. The estate remained in their possession for 12 years before coming under the control of the Borie family, who own it to this day.
Quality of the wines of Domaine Ducru Beaucaillou
The vineyard of the estate begins 800 m from the mouth of the Gironde and extends to the west. The soil is characterised by large stones. These stones store the heat of the sun and give it back to the vines at night. This also protects the roots of the plants from drying out during hot weather. The vineyard of Château Ducru Beaucaillou 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 dating from 1918 near the château. The estate adopts a reasoned culture. As of 2018, the current owner is turning to 100% organic farming. To produce wine, the estate macerates the crushed grapes for 7 days. The vinification is then done in stainless steel tanks of different sizes for a fortnight with pumping over. After this stage, the grape juice will be fermented in concrete vats before being aged in 75% to 90% new oak vats for 18 to 20 months.
The domain produces several vintages that age extremely well. Some of these vintages are legendary among the best Grands Crus. The young wines, on the other hand, offer an intense concentration of flavours while expressing the power of the tannins. Decanting for 3 to 4 hours is recommended for young vintages to allow the wine to soften.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1945: even if the Saint-Julien appellation does not have the 1er Grand Cru classification, it has all the character of this product, especially as it has immense ageing potential. This wine is at its best, composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot Noir, and reveals a beautiful bouquet of aromas accentuated by magnificent notes of spices, cedar wood and black pepper. The fabulous nose reveals itself on the palate with juicy flavours and no signs of age. After a few minutes in the glass, it expresses all its finesse and elegance with light tannins. To be consumed on its own without food for a better tasting. A rare treat for wine lovers.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1959: this red wine from Saint-Julien harvested in 1959 is also a wine of incredible elegance. The years have not blurred its seductive nose, its very generous mouth and its inimitable flavours. A bit of tannin that surprises with a nice long finish. This treasure on special offer is a good deal for amateurs and discerning buyers. It's also a good plan to toast the New Year or celebrate a special bond that will lead to a happy outcome between two people. This wine is available in one bottle only. Due to its rarity, the bottle is damaged halfway down the shoulder, but its racy character, aromas and flavours are wonderfully unaffected by time. A great wine that does justice to its 2nd growth appellation.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1972: This rare vintage from the Saint-Julien appellation is a beautifully coloured red wine with seductive aromas of violets, cherries and a hint of cedar, leather and ripe blackcurrant. It goes well with beef, game and lamb with its silky tannins and good length.
-Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1973: the large pebbles that litter the estate's grounds make it possible to produce this extraordinary wine, which is at once discreet, elegant and sappy, and which is also currently being promoted on this site. The brilliant ruby colour reveals a beautiful fruity bouquet, supple, sublimated by notes of violets and cedar wood. The juicy palate leaves 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 tannins, structure and acidity varies according to the vintage, the grape varieties and the wine region. Don't hesitate to choose between several bottles before making your choice.
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Promotion Deal for amateursBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1945 MSSpecial Price €750.00 Excl. Tax Regular Price €990.00 Excl. Taxstock: 1
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Promotion Deal for amateursBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1971 TSSpecial Price €135.00 Excl. Tax Regular Price €200.00 Excl. Taxstock: 1
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Bordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1977 Half-Bottle€60.00 Excl. Taxstock: 8
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Promotion Deal for amateursBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 Original Wooden Case of 12Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1982 Bottle (75cl) VSDSpecial Price €325.00 Excl. Tax Regular Price €360.00 Excl. Taxstock: 1
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1988Special Price €140.00 Excl. Tax Regular Price €180.00 Excl. Taxstock: 25
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 Original Wooden Case of 12Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1994Special Price €125.00 Excl. Tax Regular Price €150.00 Excl. Taxstock: 3
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Bordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 1995€190.00 Excl. Taxstock: 9
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Bordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 2002€130.00 Excl. Taxstock: 20
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 2003Special Price €175.00 Excl. Tax Regular Price €180.00 Excl. Taxstock: 9
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PromotionBordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 2004Special Price €130.00 Excl. Tax Regular Price €145.00 Excl. Taxstock: 70
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Bordeaux Saint Julien 2nd Growth 1855 LooseChâteau Ducru Beaucaillou 2006€150.00 Excl. Taxstock: 17
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Bordeaux Saint Julien 2ème GCC 1855 Original Wooden Case of 6Château Ducru Beaucaillou 2015€170.00 Excl. Taxstock: 2