At a glance

Producer

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Region

Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$250-$400 per bottle (retail, varies by market)

Tasting profile

Blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, graphite notes with firm tannins and lively acidity.

Evolution: Fruit will integrate further with earth, leather, and spice emerging over next decade.

At peak: Complex layers of cassis, ripe black fruit, minerals, and fine toasty oak, with smooth tannins.

Structure

Acidity

Balanced, medium-high acidity providing freshness

Tannins

Firm and well-integrated with potential for further softening

Alcohol

13.5% ABV

Aging potential

30-45 years from vintage given top producer and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2055

Optimal window

2026 to 2058

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Developing tertiary notes while retaining vibrant fruit and structure

2016 was an excellent Bordeaux vintage with ideal weather, producing structured wines with ripe tannins and great balance that support very long aging curves typical for Ducru-Beaucaillou. The 30-45 year window reflects both the high quality and the pedigree of this Saint-Julien premier cru classified estate.

Food pairing

Classic pairings such as rich lamb dishes, beef rib roast, game birds, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic complexity to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Careful vineyard management to reduce chemical inputs, water-efficient practices, use of renewable energy sources at estate, lightweight packaging initiatives.

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou adopts sustainability practices consistent with top Bordeaux estates focusing on balanced yields, ecosystem preservation, and energy efficiency. While no formal organic or biodynamic certification, their programs reduce environmental impact versus conventional methods. The score reflects strong but not fully organic/biodynamic or zero-carbon footprint practices.