Named for the stony terroir that surrounds it, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, a Second Grand Cru Classé, has masterfully utilized this soil—which provides excellent drainage and grape maturity—to craft an exceptional wine that is ripe, ample, and structured with silky tannins. Among the most representative Saint-Julien wines of the appellation, it offers great wines meant to be enjoyed over time; it will require at least a decade to unveil its true potential.

The estate was created during the division of the great Beychevelle estate at the end of the 17th century. A century later, it was acquired by Bertrand Ducru. It was he who expanded the vineyard and greatly amplified the renown of its wines. He thus gave his name to the Château, followed, of course, by "Beaucaillou," describing the estate's terroir, which is strewn with large, beautiful pebbles.
Ducru's daughter sold the estate to an Irishman, Nathaniel Johnston, who would leave his mark on its history. Indeed, his estate manager used a mixture with a frightful blue-green appearance to discourage thieves. He quickly noticed that the treated vines were free from mildew attacks: the "bouillie bordelaise" (Bordeaux mixture) was born!
The beginning of the last century was difficult for Bordeaux châteaux; Prohibition in the United States, against a backdrop of economic crisis, forced Johnston to part with the estate. Francis Borie took over the estate in 1928 and launched an extensive replanting and reconstruction program. When he passed away and left the château to his son, Jean-Eugène Borie, in 1953, the wine of Ducru-Beaucaillou—which had been elevated to the rank of Second Grand Cru Classé a century earlier—had regained its former qualities. In 1978, François-Xavier Borie came to support his father at the head of the estate.
Today
Since the 2003 vintage, Bruno-Eugène Borie, the youngest son of Jean-Eugène, has managed the estate. He is supported by Cellar Master René Lusseau for the vinification process. The remarkable work carried out by the Borie family is bearing fruit. Recent vintages have been very well received by critics, notably the 2009 vintage, which was awarded a perfect 100/100 score by American critic Robert Parker.