2008 Saint-Julien, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
About Producer
The heart of Ducru-Beaucaillou’s vineyard is 55ha on stony and gravelly soils on limestone subsoil around the château and close to the river. One of the striking features here is the wide range of multicoloured and diversified quartz and flint pebbles found in its soils, hence its name Beaucaillou (‘beautiful pebble’ in French). Created in 1720, this estate was bought in 1797 by Bertrand Ducru who added his name to the property. The modern history of Ducru-Beaucaillou started in 1942 when it was acquired by Francis Borie, owner of neighbouring Haut-Batailley in Pauillac. In 1953, his son Jean-Eugène took over and subsequently propelled the château into the Médoc elite. Since 2003, the property is managed by Bruno Borie, Jean-Eugène’s son, who has firmly put his estate among the top flight in Bordeaux.
Varietals
85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% merlot
About Appellation
Sandwiched between Margaux and Pauillac, Saint-Julien AOC is home to 11 grands crus classés in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The 910ha vineyards sit on a top layer of gravel on clay and limestone soil covered with large white stones ('galets'). While there are traces of vines planted here since the 8th century, extensive viticulture only started off in the 17th century when members of the local nobility and bourgeoisie created large vineyards. Like most of the Médoc, cabernet sauvignon reigns supreme, followed by merlot which plays an invariably supporting role. There are also lesser plantings of cabernet franc and petit verdot. The best estates have vines planted on gentle slopes along the Gironde estuary where terroir and micro-climate are the finest.
Tasting Notes
Inviting nose of dark fruits, tree bark, cedar, tobacco, allspices, crushed stones and floral scents, round mouthfeel with silky texture, fine texture and excellent focus, multilayered flavours of black currant, blackberry, baked plum, truffle, liquorice and white pepper liberally laced with gravelly mineral undertones, crisp acidity and resolved tannins carrying through a long, savoury finish. Though not a blockbuster Ducru-Beaucaillou, this is a delightful wine with effortless balance, captivating purity of fruit and undeniable charm. Likely forever overshadowed by the two following years, it’s nevertheless a commendable effort for the 2008 vintage. It’s thrillingly luscious, suave and fresh at 16 years old, with a vivacious lift that lingers long throughout the aftertaste. An utterly pleasant wine that is well worth seeking out indeed. (03/2024)