Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien 2025 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé (Primeurs)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Since 2003, Bruno Borie, with the invaluable assistance of Éric Boissenot as oenological consultant, has helped this renowned cru regain its former glory, coming very close to—and at times surpassing—certain Premier 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-standing 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:

Such a vivid and brilliant color in the glass, with a bright pink rim. Ripe, almost heady aromas: fragrant wild berries, with a hint of dried flowers and notes of dark chocolate. Ripe and full-bodied on the palate, though not as seductive and velvety as Ducru usually is; here it is more grainy and a bit tighter, with prominent tannins and structure, against a backdrop of black fruit. Serious, even sensual, with distinct woody notes—licorice and clove. The bouquet is absolutely incredible, intensely rich, but it hasn’t quite found its balance yet. Mouth-watering acidity, superb tannic structure: this wine is very rich. The finish is fresh, lively, and airy. I love its intensity, quite different from that of many other wines from this vintage—it’s built like a racehorse, muscular and full-bodied, yet also mellow and supple. I love its personality, and I believe this wine has a long life ahead of it. It possesses purity, clarity, and brilliance. pH of 3.74. A yield of 22 hl/ha. Harvested from September 2 to 23.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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 with Ducru-Beaucaillou. Bruno Borie steers this superb estate with talent and determination; in recent years, he has positioned it among the top tier of Bordeaux wines. Never ostentatious, nor over-extracted nor overly powerful, the wines shine with their distinction and the silkiness of their texture. These are profound, approachable, and well-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

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Deep purple in color and completely opaque, the 2025 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou— Favorite true Favorite—is composed of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, all aged in 100% new oak barrels. The nose is rich and concentrated, with notes of pure blackcurrant, graphite, ripe black cherries, spicy wood, and aromas reminiscent of a freshly sharpened pencil. On the palate, it is full-bodied, with a dense and concentrated mid-palate, ripe and developing tannins, and a lovely finish. It has an alcohol content of 13.44% and a pH of 3.8. This structured, pure, and incredibly precise Ducru reminds me slightly of the 2010, with perhaps an extra touch of finesse.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The finesse and depth of the bouquet are immediately apparent. Direct, yet with precision and method. It feels as though I’m speaking with my friend Bruno Borie! The subtlety and complexity open the door to a thousand and one sensations, where each element complements the others with rare precision. The bouquet alone reveals the greatness of Ducru Beaucaillou. Noteworthy, among other things, are nuances of graphite, cedar, blackberries, and licorice wood. On the palate, the wine impresses with its ability to contain its power, to reveal its details with finesse and precision, and to express its clear connection to the gravelly-clay terroir (Graves de Güns). The tannins have depth and grip, yet are nonetheless fine and subtle. They provide a serene and precise vigor, accompanied by an acidity that is as incisive as it is structuring, which highlights the wine’s character while ensuring finesse remains the focus. A moving, touching Ducru, so faithful to itself, so magnificent. It doesn’t even need to adapt to time; it stands on its own, not out of whim, but out of sincerity. A true personality: imposing, persistent, and inspiring! 2033–2070

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

Five-spice, roses, irises, and white flowers make up only part of the aromatic profile. There are also notes of licorice, espresso, smoke, tobacco, blackberries, and black cherries. However, it is the palate that steals the show, with its array of sensual, silky, and refined red and black fruits, Asian spices, chocolate, aromatic herbs, and mint leaves. The full-bodied finish combines power and elegance. Everything is in balance, offering a lingering and harmonious finish that allows you to appreciate the purity and richness of the fruit, which lingers for over 60 seconds. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, with an alcohol content of 13.44% and a pH of 3.74. The harvest took place from September 2 to 23. The 2025 vintage marks the earliest and longest harvest in the estate’s history. Yields were 22 hectoliters per hectare. Best enjoyed between 2032 and 2070.