2nd Grand Cru Classé in 1855
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A magnificent property overlooking the Garonne River from the heights of the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou enjoys a reputation that is no longer to be proven. The history of Château Beaucaillou dates back to the 13th century, but it is from 1795 that it will start to make a name for itself, when it is acquired by Bertrand Ducru who will add his name to it.
The summit is reached when it is crowned with the title of Second Grand Cru Classé in 1855, at the time of the famous classification of the wines of the Medoc. The Victorian-style building of Château as we know it today was completed at the end of the 19th century, under the aegis of its owner at the time, Nathaniel Johnston, a merchant of Bordeaux. Since 1941, it has belonged to the Borie family, Bruno-Eugène Borie being today the third generation to raise it ever higher in excellence.
The 75-hectare vineyard is located on an exceptional terroir, the soils being composed of gravel near the Gironde estuary, which allows the vines to be protected from frost thanks to a thermal regulation. A soil which allows the blooming of the Cabernet Sauvignon planted at 70%, where it reaches an optimal maturity, as well as the Merlot at 30%. The wines are aged for 18 months in oak barrels, 60% of which are new.
The Château produces a Second wine, Croix de Ducru-Beaucaillou, on parcels located further west in the Saint-Julien appellation.
The Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is recognized today as one of the greatest wines of Saint-Julien, loaded with history and impeccable rigor. The wines are powerful, balanced, fleshy and mature with time.
The 2019 vintage is a very successful vintage in the Bordeaux vineyards and particularly in the lands of Saint-Julien. The climatic conditions were summarized in phases of slowing down and accelerating, with a scorching summer marked by strong heat in June and July which were compensated by welcome and saving rains in August. The latter favored a perfect ripening of the berries. The month of September finally offered a very nice harvest.
Blend of the 2019 vintage: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot
The robe is a deep purple color, almost black, with purple highlights.
The nose expresses all the nobility of the property's terroir, with aromas of black fruits, wild and ripe berries, violet and raspberry, followed by roasted cocoa, exotic spices and clove.
Smooth on the attack, it is sumptuous on development, with plenty of breadth and an almost caressing feel thanks to silky tannins. Fleshy and offering exquisite fruity, floral and chocolate flavors, it lasts in persistence until a long, airy and very elegant finish.
Food and wine pairing :
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2019 will be the perfect companion on a tournedos with truffle sauce, a rack of lamb confit, a pigeon roasted with thyme or a hare stew with grand veneur sauce.
For a cheese pairing, enjoy it with Edam, Gouda, Saint-nectaire or Salers cheese.
It can be served with all types of chocolate desserts: a bavarois, a pear-chocolate cake, a ganache or praline macaroons.
Ageing potential and tasting :
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2019 would deserve to wait 5 years in the cellar before it can be appreciated at its full potential, but its tasting peak is between 2032 and 2040. However, it can be enjoyed now with proper preparation.
If possible, open the bottle the night before by placing it in the room at room temperature, or alternatively, open it and decant it 6 to 7 hours before tasting.
Do not hesitate to proceed to successive tastings to measure the evolution of the wine and its qualitative peak.
The bottles will be kept in the cellar protected from light, lying down, at an optimal hygrometric degree of 70 %.
