Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
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Super Second delivering First Growth quality with iconic 'beautiful pebble' terroir
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a 1855-classified Second Growth (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé) in Saint-Julien, widely regarded as the quintessential expression of the appellation and one of Bordeaux's definitive 'Super Seconds.' The estate's name derives from 'beaux cailloux' (beautiful pebbles) — the distinctive large gravel stones dominating its 75-hectare vineyard along the Gironde estuary. Wine has been produced on the land since the 13th century; the modern era begins in 1795 when Bertrand Ducru gave the estate its current name. In 1941, Francis Borie purchased the property, and today his grandson Bruno Borie leads the estate with an exacting philosophy: a draconian grape selection policy slashed Grand Vin production from over 20,000 cases to 6,000–8,000 cases per year, elevating quality to unprecedented heights — including six perfect 100-point scores since 2009. The 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot blend is aged 18–20 months in up to 90% new French oak, producing wines of architectural precision, graphite minerality, fine-grained tannins, and extraordinary aging potential of 40–50 years. The estate also holds ISO 14001 and HVE3 sustainability certifications and has practised organic viticulture since the 2018 vintage.
www.chateau-ducru-beaucaillou.com ↗Cuvées
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Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
RedCabernet Sauvignon · Merlot · Petit Verdot
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a 1855-classified Second Growth (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé) estate in Saint-Julien, widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's definitive Super Seconds and the quintessential expression of the appellation. The estate name derives from 'beaux cailloux' (beautiful pebbles) — the distinctive large gravel stones dominating its 75-hectare vineyard along the Gironde estuary. Under Bruno Borie's leadership since 2003, Grand Vin production was reduced from over 20,000 cases to just 6,000–8,000 cases annually through draconian selection, elevating quality to unprecedented heights. The wine blends approximately 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Petit Verdot, aged 18–20 months in up to 90% new French oak. Renowned for architectural precision, graphite minerality, fine-grained tannins, and extraordinary aging potential of 40–50 years. Since 2009, the estate has earned six perfect 100-point scores and practices organic viticulture since the 2018 vintage.
ラ・クロワ・ド・ボーカイユ
La Croix de Beaucaillou
RedCabernet Sauvignon · Merlot · Petit Verdot
La Croix de Beaucaillou is the prestigious second wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, the renowned Second Growth estate in Saint-Julien. Sourced from specific parcels within the estate and from younger vines, this wine is crafted with the same meticulous attention to detail as the Grand Vin. It typically features a higher proportion of Merlot compared to the Grand Vin, resulting in a more approachable, supple, and fruit-forward profile in its youth while retaining the signature Saint-Julien elegance and minerality. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, balancing power with finesse. It offers a quintessential Saint-Julien expression characterized by dark fruit, graphite, and refined tannins — the perfect gateway to the world of Ducru-Beaucaillou.
Who Is This For?
Serious collectors and Bordeaux connoisseurs seeking a benchmark Saint-Julien with extraordinary aging potential; investors attracted to consistent 100-point scores and First-Growth-calibre quality at Second-Growth pricing; fine dining enthusiasts who appreciate architectural precision in a Cabernet-dominant red.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 'Ducru-Beaucaillou' mean?
- The name combines the surname Ducru (from Bertrand Ducru who purchased the estate in 1795) with 'beaux cailloux' (beautiful pebbles), referring to the large gravel stones that define its terroir.
- Why is Ducru-Beaucaillou called a 'Super Second'?
- Under Bruno Borie's leadership since 2003, the estate cut Grand Vin production from 20,000+ to 6,000–8,000 cases annually through ruthless selection, earning six perfect 100-point scores since 2009 and regularly outperforming several First Growths in blind tastings.
- What grapes and blending are used at Ducru-Beaucaillou?
- The Grand Vin is made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot grown on 75 hectares of deep gravel; it is aged 18–20 months in 75–90% new French oak barrels.
- How long can Ducru-Beaucaillou be aged?
- Great vintages show optimal drinking from 10–15 years after harvest and can evolve magnificently for 40–50 years, developing complex notes of cedar, dried violets, graphite, and earthy spice.
- Is Ducru-Beaucaillou organic or sustainable?
- The estate practises organic viticulture since the 2018 vintage, having eliminated herbicides and chemical fertilisers. It holds ISO 14001 environmental certification (since 2016) and HVE3 (High Environmental Value Level 3, since 2017).