The 2017 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classé is a highly regarded Bordeaux wine from one of the most esteemed estates in the Saint-Julien appellation. Known for its consistency and elegance, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou produces wines that are celebrated for their depth, complexity, and aging potential.
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou’s vineyards are located in the Saint-Julien appellation, known for its gravelly soils that are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape in the blend. The 2017 vintage was marked by a challenging growing season, but the resulting wines exhibit balance and concentration.
The winemaking process at Château Ducru-Beaucaillou emphasizes quality and tradition. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted meticulously before fermentation. The wine undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. It is then aged in new French oak barrels for around 18-24 months, which imparts complexity and structure while allowing the fruit character to shine.
Per Brandon Kerne, Master Sommelier: "There is no doubt; this is one of the best wines of the vintage. It has the opulence you want out of Ducru with tremendous focus and beautiful tannin structure. I tasted it while in Bordeaux this past March, and I loved it so much I ordered two cases from our importer immediately while still in France!"
96+ Points from Lisa-Perotti Brown of Wine Advocate: "Deep purple-black in color, the 2017 Ducru-Beaucaillou slowly unfurls to reveal beautifully fragrant notes of warm kirsch, wild blueberries, fresh red and black currants and violets with wafts of underbrush and Earl Grey tea. Medium-bodied, the palate has great freshness and elegance, with very well-played, plush tannins and bags of perfumed fruit, finishing on a lingering spicy note. The wine was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot."
98 Points from James Suckling: "Attractive, intense aromas of ripe blueberries, currants and more savory, tarry notes, as well as iodine, violets and cassis. The palate has a supple and succulent feel. This is cabernet in outright seductive mode, offering such fluid tannins and mouth-filling length. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. One of the stars of the vintage."
