Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien 2020
- v90-92
- jd91
Category | Red Wine |
Varietals | |
Brand | Château Ducru-Beaucaillou |
Origin | France, Bordeaux, Saint-Julien |
The origins of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou lie in the 18th century when the Beaucaillou castle (named after the large pebbles in the vineyard) was purchased by Bertrand Ducru. In the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux, this Saint-Julien property was ranked as a Deuxième Cru or Second Growth. Today it is considered one of the "Super-Seconds" and one of the leading estates of Saint-Julien.
The vineyards of Ducru-Beaucaillou are planted on gravelly soils on the banks of the Gironde estuary, where they are the deepest in the commune. The Château's 75 hectares are planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvinon and 30% Merlot, with an average vine age of over 35 years. All grapes are harvested manually and each vineyard plot is vinified separately. Blending occurs after malolactic fermentation and the first racking. The wines see between 50-80% new French oak depending on the vintage.
Vinous
- v90-92
The 2020 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou, matured in 30% new oak for 12 months, is delineated on the nose with blackberry, wild hedgerow and a discrete marine/estuarine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and well judged acidity. It displays some "rondeur" towards the finish that suggests it will drink wellf a.ter just a couple of years, yet there is certainly the substance to guarantee it will age well in the cellar, if you are that way inclined.
Jeb Dunnuck
- jd91
What can be thought of as the third wine of the château, the 2020 Le Petit Ducru De Ducru-Beaucaillou is mostly Merlot yet includes 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. It's a legit wine and has classic aromatics of cassis, darker berries, violets, and a kiss of minerality to go with a medium to full-bodied style on the palate. Ripe, concentrated, and balanced, this terrific wine can be enjoyed any time over the coming 10-12 years (and I have no doubt it will keep even longer).