DUCRU BEAUCAILLOU 1999

Ducru Beaucaillou

Château Comments

Named after the stony terroir that surrounds it, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Second Growth Classified, has successfully utilized this terroir to provide drainage and grape maturity, resulting in an exceptional, ripe, and full-bodied wine with smooth tannins. Among the most representative wines of the Saint-Julien appellation, it offers great wines that can be enjoyed over time; it will take at least a decade for it to reveal its true potential...

History of the Château

The estate was established during the division of the grand 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 significantly enhanced the reputation of its wines. Thus, he gave his name to the Château, naturally followed by “Beaucaillou”, describing the estate's terroir, strewn with large and beautiful stones.

Ducru's daughter sold the estate to an Irishman, Nathaniel Johnston, who would leave his mark on its history. Indeed, his steward used a mixture that displayed a terrifying green-blue hue to deter thieves. He quickly noticed that the treated vines were not affected by mildew: thus, the Bordeaux mixture was born!

The beginning of the last century was challenging for Bordeaux châteaux, with prohibition in the United States against a backdrop of economic crisis forcing Johnston to part with the estate. Francis Borie took over the estate in 1928 and initiated a significant 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, 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.

<b>Today</b>

Since the 2003 vintage, it is Bruno-Eugène Borie, the youngest son of Jean-Eugène, who manages the estate. He is supported by the Cellar Master René Lusseau for the winemaking. The remarkable work carried out by the Borie family is bearing fruit. The latest vintages have been very well received by critics, notably the 2009 vintage which received a perfect score of 100/100 from American critic Robert Parker.