Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien 2018 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Since 2003, Bruno Borie, with the invaluable assistance of Éric Boissenot as his winemaking consultant, has helped this renowned cru regain its former glory, coming very close to—and at times surpassing—certain premiers crus. The second wine, La Croix-de-Beaucaillou, which includes the remarkable vineyards of the former Terrey Gros Cailloux, has finally joined the best in its category since 2005. A third Saint-Julien, Lalande-Borie, a long-established and highly regarded brand in the wine trade, refers to a supple, elegant, and early-drinking wine, produced from vines that belonged to Château Lagrange in 1855.

Decanter

About the wine:

One of the greatest wines this estate produced during Bruno Borie’s tenure. The 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou captivates with its fabulous and distinctive bouquet of spices, iris, violet, black cherry, and blackcurrant. The oak is perfectly integrated and, over time, intertwines with notes of graphite. The palate is concentrated and bursting with energy, but what really stands out is its disconcerting freshness, as well as the finesse and precise contours of the tannic structure. A wine that is already profound and will reach new heights over the next two decades. 2022–2050

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Deep purple-black in color, it offers a powerful nose of cooked black cherries, blackberry jam, and crème de cassis, with hints of menthol, pencil shavings, cedarwood, and Indian spices, as well as notes of violet and licorice that emerge after a few minutes. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, the palate bursts with punchy layers of black fruit and exotic spices, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing on a lingering note of fragrant earth. There is a brilliance to this wine—a surprising freshness—and yet it remains deeply rich and hedonistic, presenting an extraordinary winemaking paradox that will impress fans of this great estate.

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Lovers of classic Médoc wines will find what they’re looking for in Ducru-Beaucaillou. Bruno Borie manages this superb estate with talent and determination; in recent years, he has positioned it among the top Bordeaux wines. Never ostentatious, nor over-extracted nor overly powerful, the wines shine with their distinction and the silkiness of their texture. These are deep, approachable, and balanced Médocs. Be warned, however: since a Ducru-Beaucaillou only fully reveals itself with age, it is always a shame to taste it too early; its great freshness on the finish and the elegant texture of its tannins are a testament to the exceptional character of its terroir. Croix de Beaucaillou, the château’s former second wine, is now a cru in its own right, with its own dedicated vineyard plots.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, new leather, and bark carry through to a full-bodied, dense, and deep palate that lingers, yet remains shy and reserved. An abundance of ultra-fine tannins, akin to cashmere—silky, elegant, and wonderfully integrated. Extremely long and concentrated. It needs at least 4 to 5 years to begin opening up. A beautiful wine for the cellar. Try it after 2027.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

A deep garnet red with violet highlights. An intense, complex bouquet with notes of graphite and cedar. You can sense the grandeur of the terroirs and the finesse of the aging process… which, incidentally, takes place entirely in 100% new oak. A beautiful balance between ripeness and freshness, with nuances of very ripe Cabernet and notes of licorice, black berries, and cinnamon. On the palate, the wine is elegant, dense, creamy, and silky. Such elegance from the very first sip. This is complemented by the tannic structure, which unfolds slowly across the palate. The tannins are refined, powerful, persistent, and in perfect harmony with the acidity. A balanced, powerful, and persistent wine. 2026–2048

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

With its intense color, the wine is completely opaque. The first thing you notice are the aromas, which unfold into a bouquet of flowers, dark red and black fruits, forest floor, espresso, damp earth, tobacco leaf, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, concentrated, rich, deep, opulent, fresh, and intense, the wine coats your palate and lingers on your tongue. That’s a good thing, because it’s hard not to crave more of all those sweet, ripe, and succulent fruits. The purity, balance, and length carry on for nearly 60 seconds! Give it at least 12 to 15 years to age, and it could reach the three-digit mark! The Grand Vin was made from just 35% of the harvest.

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

About the wine:

The bouquet of the 2018 Ducru-Beaucaillou is simply superb—elegant, vibrant, and deep. Rich in dark fruit, it develops soft notes of graphite as it breathes. On the palate, it is silky, deep, and complex, with caressing, alluring tannins. A truly moving wine. Bravo!