About Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
The name comes from the beau caillou, the beautiful stones, the deep bed of gravel the vineyard sits on close to the Gironde. Ducru-Beaucaillou was ranked a second growth in 1855 and has been in the Borie family since 1941, with Bruno Borie running it since 2003. The blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, and the house style is firm and reserved rather than showy, with a long life expectancy that has made it a benchmark for Saint-Julien. La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is the second wine, and the Victorian towers on the château were added by a nineteenth-century Scottish owner.
Saint-Julien sits between Margaux and Pauillac and borrows from both. Our Saint-Julien Wines and Bordeaux Wines pages cover the neighboring châteaux, and Cabernet Sauvignon follows the grape further afield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Beaucaillou mean?
Beautiful stones. The vineyard lies on a deep layer of gravel deposited by the river, which drains well and reflects heat back into the vines. The estate added the word to the Ducru family name to describe the ground it grows on.
What is La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou?
The second wine of the estate, made from a separate parcel plus younger vines. It carries more Merlot and drinks earlier than the grand vin.
Who owns Ducru-Beaucaillou?
The Borie family, since 1941. Bruno Borie has directed it since 2003, and the family also owns Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste in Pauillac and Château Haut-Batailley.
How long does Ducru-Beaucaillou age?
Good vintages want twelve to fifteen years and hold for forty. It is one of the slower Saint-Juliens to open and rarely flatters early.