Château Ducru-Beaucaillou – The Majesty of Saint-Julien
A legendary Deuxième Grand Cru Classé, orchestrated by the Borie family — where power, finesse, and luminosity converge in perfect harmony.
A Médoc icon, balancing strength and grace
Located in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou ranks among the most prestigious estates of the Médoc. Classified as a Second Growth in 1855, it has embodied the nobility of Bordeaux for over two centuries. Since 2003, Bruno-Eugène Borie has passionately led this emblematic family property, elevating it to a level of precision and refinement that unites respect for the terroir with cutting-edge innovation.
A terroir of deep gravel and light
The vineyard covers 75 hectares of Günzian gravel resting on a subsoil of marl and sand — the famed “beautiful pebbles” that ensure optimal drainage and reflect sunlight onto the grapes. Facing southwest over the Gironde estuary, this terroir imparts the wines with structure, saline minerality, and aromatic depth unique to Saint-Julien.
| Vineyard area | 75 ha |
| Grape varieties | 70% Cabernet Sauvignon · 30% Merlot |
| Planting density | 10,000 vines/ha |
| Average vine age | 35 years (some over 100 years old) |
Viticulture & philosophy — Purity and precision
Ducru-Beaucaillou practices sustainable and parcel-based viticulture, with meticulous soil observation and strict yield management. Manual harvesting, optical sorting, and micro-vinifications ensure the highest level of precision. Bruno Borie and his team pursue a philosophy of balance — extracting the essence of the terroir while preserving freshness and mineral tension. Ongoing research into soil biology and biodiversity exemplifies their forward-thinking approach.
Winemaking & ageing — Sculpted precision
Each parcel is vinified separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Maceration lasts from 7 to 15 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in concrete tanks. Ageing takes place over 18 to 20 months in French oak barrels (50–80% new, depending on the vintage). The result is a wine of silky tannins, a linear structure, and a remarkably pure, elegant finish.
Style & signature
- Nose: cassis, violet, blond tobacco, warm stone, graphite.
- Palate: velvety texture, mouthwatering structure, perfect balance between density and freshness.
- Finish: long, pure, and vibrant, marked by fine minerality.
Each vintage stands as a model of longevity and depth — a Saint-Julien of power and grace in equal measure.
Wines of the estate
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
The Grand Vin. A perfect synthesis of strength and elegance, with noble tannic structure and mineral length. Ageing potential often exceeds 30 years.
La Croix de Ducru-Beaucaillou
The second wine, sourced from peripheral plots. More approachable in its youth, yet true to the estate’s precision and depth of style.
Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou
The third wine — sincere, generous, and instantly charming — offering a graceful introduction to the Ducru signature.
Key figures
| Vineyard area | 75 ha |
| Grape varieties | 70% Cabernet Sauvignon · 30% Merlot |
| Annual production | ≈ 210,000 bottles |
| Second wine | La Croix de Ducru-Beaucaillou (≈ 85,000 bottles) |
| Ideal maturity | 10 to 30 years, depending on the vintage |
| Great vintages | 2020, 2018, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2005, 1996, 1982, 1961, 1947 |