Grand Cru Classé (1998)

About this wine

The 1998 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou presents a dense purple color and a bouquet of cassis, black raspberries, minerals, and currants. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, showcasing precise flavors with magnificent purity and understated elegance. The wine concludes with a tannic finish, indicating its potential for further aging. This vintage reflects the estate's commitment to quality, with vines averaging 35 years old, planted in well-drained gravel soils that contribute to the wine's complexity. The 1998 vintage in Saint-Julien was marked by a warm early summer, followed by cooler spells, culminating in a harvest saved by September sunshine, resulting in wines with both structure and vivacity.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the primary grape varieties used in the 1998 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, a renowned wine from the Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux, France. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and hardy vines, contributes structure and aging potential to the wine. Merlot, with its earlier ripening and softer tannins, adds suppleness and fruitiness, balancing the blend. The vineyard's unique terroir, characterized by deep gravel beds, provides excellent drainage and reflects sunlight, creating optimal conditions for cultivating these grape varieties.

Quick facts

• 🪨 The name 'Ducru-Beaucaillou' translates to 'beautiful stones,' referring to the estate's unique terroir rich in large, well-draining gravel that contributes to the wine's distinctive character.
• 🏰 In 1878, the estate's owner, Nathaniel Johnston, commissioned the construction of two towers on either side of the château to honor his wife, Princess Marie Caradja de Constantinople, enhancing the château's majestic appearance.
• 🍷 The 1998 vintage of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is noted for its elegance and complexity, with aromas of cassis, black raspberries, minerals, and currants, and is anticipated to mature beautifully between 2005 and 2025.
• 🍇 The estate's vineyards are planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, with vines averaging 35 years of age, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity.
• 🌦️ The 1998 vintage was produced during a year that presented climatic challenges, including a warm and dry early summer followed by cooler spells, leading to a wine that encapsulates both structure and vivacity.

Palate profile

Producer

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, traces its origins to the 13th century. The estate was named after Bertrand Ducru, who acquired it in 1795 and added his surname to 'Beaucaillou,' meaning 'beautiful stones,' a nod to the unique gravelly terroir. In 1855, the château was classified as a Second Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. The Borie family has owned the estate since 1941, with Bruno Borie currently at the helm, overseeing the production of wines renowned for their elegance and longevity.