Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 1988

A Saint-Julien wine that delights with its finesse and aromatic richness

The estate

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is an emblematic Cru Classé of Saint-Julien which oversees a prestigious terroir. Over the past 300 years, six families have worked to make this world-renowned cru shine. Owned by the Borie family since 1941, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou takes its name from its terroir of "beaux cailloux" (beautiful stones) made up of Günzian gravel. Managed by Bruno Borie, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou ranks among the elite of the great red wines of Saint-Julien. Vintage after vintage, it delights lovers of great Médoc wines throughout the world.

The vineyard

The uniqueness of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou lies in the exceptional quality of its vineyard located on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. The vines are planted on soils of Günzian and Pyrenean gravel deposited by the Gironde estuary nearly two million years ago. These poor soils produce great Saint-Julien wines.

The vintage

The mild weather in April and May advanced a good flowering, despite some run-off and millerandage due to moisture. June and July were sunny, preceding a particularly dry August.

Winemaking and ageing

Ageing in French oak casks, of which 66% were new.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (65%)
Merlot (25%)
Cabernet Franc (5%)
Petit Verdot (5%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 1988

Tasting

Nose
The nose is enticing, releasing scents of sweet plums, dried blackcurrant and toasted notes as well as those of coffee grains, tobacco leaf, cedar and smoked charcuterie.

Palate
The palate unveils through the tasting, from a delicate combination of structure and sweetness, rounded tannins with a soft and velvety texture. The finish is long-lasting, with delightful subtle notes of mocha.

To serve

For the best tasting, serve between 15 and 17°C.