| Brand | Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou |
| Appellation | Saint‑Julien, Bordeaux, France |
| Vintage | 2006/2008/2010 |
| Oak Treatment | French Oak |
| Aging | 18 and 20 months / 13-14% abv |
| Total Varietal Composition % | Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot |
Product details
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of the premier Second Growth estates in Saint‑Julien, a Left Bank appellation steeped in tradition since its Cristalline pebbled terroir was first classified in 1855. Situated on 50 hectares of gravel-rich soils, the estate has been stewarded by the Borie family since 1941, currently under Bruno‑Eugène Borie’s direction. These vineyards, with vines over 35 years old, benefit from deep root structures and meticulous organic-influenced viticulture . Each vintage in this gift set—2006, 2008, and 2010—is the result of careful blending of predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot (ranging 15–30%), followed by 18 months in 50–80% new French oak barrels for elegant structure and refined texture.
In the 2006, expect a plush mid-bodied wine brimming with cassis, graphite, cedar, smoky dark fruit, with refined grainy tannins and a long finish—Robert Parker awarded it 94+ points.
The 2008 is structured yet velvety, presenting blackcurrant, plum, spring flowers, cedar, tobacco, and damp forest-floor aromas; critics like Neal Martin and Parker (95+) praise its depth and aging potential.
The 2010 (vintages often lauded) adds another layer of richness and complexity—though not covered extensively here, it is widely considered among the estate’s finest.
Serve these at a cool cellar temperature (around 15–16 °C/59–61 °F) and decant the younger vintages for 2–4 hours to fully open the aromatics. Pair them with robust yet refined cuisine: grilled or roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, duck breast with a berry reduction, game meats, and richly sauced dishes. They also beautifully complement wild mushrooms, aged cheeses like Comté or mature cheddar, and even hearty tuna or salmon for a surprising twist . Each bottle in this trio offers a distinct snapshot of how terroir, year, and craftsmanship converge in one of Saint‑Julien's most revered estates—making it a truly exceptional gift set for collectors and epicureans alike.
