Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Collection

About

Terroir & Winemaking Philosophy The estate takes its name from its distinctive terroir— beau caillou translating to "beautiful pebbles"—referring to the deep Gunzian gravel deposits that overlook the Gironde estuary: Günzian Gravel Soils: Large Quartz pebbles up to several inches deep reflect sunlight, retain heat, and allow deep root drainage. This unique geology ensures ideal grape ripening while preserving fresh natural acidity. Cabernet Sauvignon Dominance: Vineyards are planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon (approx. 70%) and Merlot (approx. 30%). Modern vintages often incorporate a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (frequently 85-90%+) in the final Grand Vin blend. Oak Aging & Technical Rigor: Managed under the direction of Bruno-Eugène Borie, the Grand Vin is aged in 100% new French oak barrels for up to 18 months, resulting in seamless tannic integration and immense aging potential. Flavor Profile: Marked by intense creme de cassis, dark plum, graphite, espresso, violet perfume, and polished, fine-grained tannins. Labels Featured in Our Collection Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (Grand Vin): The estate’s iconic Second Growth release. Recognized as a "Super Second" capable of rivalling First Growth quality, it typically requires 10 to 15 years to open up and can cellar comfortably for 30+ years. La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou: Sourced from specific parcels in the Saint-Julien appellation. While technically a distinct cuvée rather than a traditional second wine, it delivers signature Borie precision and structure with earlier approachability (drinking window: 5 to 15 years). Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou: Introduced in 2019 to replace the former Lalande-Borie . Sourced from estate-managed plots, offering an accessible entry-point to the house style in a vibrant, fruit-forward format. Key Vintages for Collectors & Cellars Celebrated vintages for Château Ducru-Beaucaillou include 1982, 1996, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020 —releas