Beaucaillou means beautiful pebbles, and the name is literal. The estate sits on a deep bed of gravel beside the Gironde in Saint-Julien, and those stones are the reason the wine tastes the way it does.
Tasting Notes
Enticing aromas of dark fruit, blackcurrant, cherry and plum, mingling with hints of cedar, tobacco and subtle floral notes. The palate is intense yet balanced, with velvety tannins leading to blackberry, cassis and a touch of dark chocolate, underpinned by earthy and mineral undertones. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a lingering impression of freshness and depth. Saint-Julien is often described as the most consistently balanced of the Médoc communes, sitting between the power of Pauillac and the perfume of Margaux, and Ducru is one of its finest expressions.
Quick Facts
- Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, with Merlot
- Origin: France, Bordeaux, Saint-Julien
- Classification: Deuxième Cru Classé, 1855
- Style: Dry red, full bodied, elegant, long lived
- Winemaking: Aged in French oak barrels
Food Pairing
Roast beef, rack of lamb, game, and aged hard cheeses.
Serving
Serve at 17 to 18°C. Decant an hour and a half before pouring.
About the Producer
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou has been making wine in Saint-Julien since the 18th century and is classified a second growth. The name refers to the deep gravel of its vineyard beside the Gironde estuary. It is run today by Bruno Borie and is regarded as one of the leading estates of the commune, alongside the three Léovilles.
