Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a property in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Médoc, rated a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. It is often described as the quintessential Saint-Julien – deeply colored and powerfully ripe, yet balanced and harmonious. The grand vin usually needs 10 years of aging and can last for decades. A second wine, Croix de Beaucaillou, is also produced from the Ducru vineyard.

The 75-hectare (185-acre) vineyard is situated in the southeast of the appellation, near the village of Beychevelle and bordering Branaire-Ducru. It is near the river, which gives protection from frost and hail, and on the deepest gravel layers there is enhanced drainage, evening warmth, and a protective layer stopping the subsoil from drying out in heat waves. Alluvial deposits and a high clay content enrich the soil, and the vineyard takes its name from these "beautiful stones". It is planted 70 percent to Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 percent to Merlot.

Grapes are sorted in the vineyard on mobile tables to promptly separate out any unhealthy grapes, and specific vineyard plots are vinified separately. Barrel-ageing uses between 50-80 percent new wood, depending on the vintage.

The château is unusual for the region in being built directly over the wine cellars, and in that it is still inhabited by the family who own the estate. The Borie family also own the châteaux Lalande-Borie in Saint-Julien and Ducluzeau in Listrac-Médoc.