Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou is named after the beautiful large stones that characterize its unique Saint-Julien terroir. Unusual for Bordeaux, it is one of the only castles to be built directly above the barrel cellars and one of the few estates producing a ‘Grand Cru Classe’ still inhabited by its owners. The Borie family has owned this estate and has lived here for over sixty years, in the sumptuous aromas of their wine.

Rated a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Ducru sits on an exceptional site with incomparable views over the Gironde estuary. Its 75-hectare vineyard is planted 70% to Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% to Merlot with an average vine age of 35 years.

Today, the estate is managed by the company Jean Eugene Borie SA, which is owned by Mrs. Borie, her daughter Sabine Coiffe and her son Bruno-Eugene.

Ducru-Beaucaillou is a fine, elegant, and delicious wine with a long finish - in short, an archetypal Saint-Julien. The grapes are hand-picked, and the sorting process takes place on mobile tables in the vineyard to keep the healthy grapes separate from substandard ones. Fermentation is by traditional techniques and only the best fruit is used to produce the wine.

The 2023 Ducru Beaucaillou is a Bordeaux Blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlot from the prestigious St Julien sub-region of Bordeaux, France. A highly esteemed offering from producer Ducru Beaucaillou, this red wine is an exquisite exemplification of the terroir's potential.

Upon pouring, the wine presents itself in a resplendent red color, a visual prelude to the harmonious symphony of flavors it enshrines. The nose is greeted by an enticing bouquet of blackberries and blackcurrant, a classic representation of the Bordeaux varietals. The addition of graphite and flint notes adds an intriguing complexity, culminating in an unexpected gunpowder element that lends a bold, adventurous edge to the olfactory experience.

On the palate, this wine is full-bodied yet abounds in elegance, a testament to the refined tannins masterfully crafted by the vintner. It unfolds in a creamy character, meticulously balanced with al-dente fruit at the finish. The wine's texture is both crunchy and succulent, a beautifully orchestrated play of contrasts that excite the palate.

One of the standout characteristics of this wine is its mineral edge. It's akin to the sensation of licking a stone, eliciting an energetic, almost electric response from the taste buds. This feature underscores the 2023 Ducru Beaucaillou's unique personality and contributes significantly to its high score of 97 points awarded by James Suckling.

Without a doubt, this wine is a must-try for enthusiasts seeking to explore the full spectrum of Bordeaux's lavish offerings. A testament to France's rich winemaking heritage, the 2023 Ducru Beaucaillou is a captivating blend that will continue to evolve and delight in the years to come.