Wines Saint-Julien Ducru-Beaucaillou - 2015

Viniou Reviews

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2015, a prestigious Bordeaux Grand Cru from the Saint-Julien appellation in the Médoc, epitomises the excellence of left-bank clarets. This renowned estate is celebrated for its elegant and ageworthy reds, typically blending Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape, harmonised with Merlot and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot. The 2015 vintage benefited from a warm, dry summer with just enough rain at the right times, resulting in exceptional ripeness and refined tannins. Winemaking here follows traditional Bordeaux methods, with careful selection of grapes, fermentation in temperature-controlled vats and extended ageing in French oak barrels, a significant portion of which are new. The resulting wine is known for its dark ruby hue, expressive bouquet of blackcurrant, graphite, cedar and violets, and a palate that balances structure, freshness and finesse with a remarkably persistent finish.

Saint-Julien sits at the heart of the Médoc, bordered by the prestigious appellations of Pauillac and Margaux. Its unique terroir—a mix of deep gravel beds deposited by the Garonne river—provides exceptional drainage and heat regulation, ideal for the slow maturation of Cabernet Sauvignon. The moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean tempers extremes, promoting freshness and elegance, while the region’s viticultural history stretches back centuries, with Saint-Julien long celebrated for producing wines that blend Pauillac’s power with Margaux’s refinement.

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou 2015 is a natural partner for classic French cuisine and refined meats. Consider dishes such as roast rack of lamb with herb crust, entrecôte à la bordelaise, or duck breast with a red wine and blackberry sauce. Regional pairings like cèpes mushrooms sautéed in butter or aged Comté cheese will equally complement the wine’s layered complexity.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for an hour to allow its aromas and structure to unfold. Serve at 17-18°C. While already approachable thanks to the 2015 vintage’s accessible tannins, this wine will reward cellaring over the next 10–20 years, gradually revealing further nuances and harmony with age.