Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou is named after the beautiful large stones that characterize its unique Saint-Julien terroir. Unusual for Bordeaux, it is one of the only castles to be built directly above the barrel cellars and one of the few estates producing a ‘Grand Cru Classe’ still inhabited by its owners. The Borie family has owned this estate and has lived here for over sixty years, in the sumptuous aromas of their wine.

Rated a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Ducru sits on an exceptional site with incomparable views over the Gironde estuary. Its 75-hectare vineyard is planted 70% to Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% to Merlot with an average vine age of 35 years.

Today, the estate is managed by the company Jean Eugene Borie SA, which is owned by Mrs. Borie, her daughter Sabine Coiffe and her son Bruno-Eugene.

Ducru-Beaucaillou is a fine, elegant, and delicious wine with a long finish - in short, an archetypal Saint-Julien. The grapes are hand-picked, and the sorting process takes place on mobile tables in the vineyard to keep the healthy grapes separate from substandard ones. Fermentation is by traditional techniques and only the best fruit is used to produce the wine.

The 1990 Ducru Beaucaillou, a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed St Julien region in Bordeaux, France, is a wine that exudes elegance and complexity. With its medium brick-brown color, it showcases the evolution that comes with age, revealing a range of captivating aromas and flavors.

On the nose, this wine offers a symphony of scents, starting with delicate notes of incense and tree bark, followed by hints of tilled soil and tobacco. As the aroma unfurls, nuances of preserved plums, kirsch, tapenade, and leather emerge, enticing the senses and inviting further exploration.

Medium to full-bodied, the palate presents a delightful interplay of earth-laced savory fruit. There is a pleasing chewiness to the texture, which adds depth and dimension to each sip. The flavors linger on the palate, leaving a lasting impression. The finish is reminiscent of stewed tea, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort.

It is important to note that the 1990 vintage of Ducru Beaucaillou fell within a challenging period for the chateau, where the cellar was likely affected by TCA or a TCA-like taint. However, by 1995, the chateau had addressed the issue, and this particular bottle was pristine, offering a true representation of the wine's potential.

Rated 91 points by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, this wine has been recognized for its quality and character. The critic, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, acknowledges the possibility of bottle variation due to the cellar conditions during that time. Nevertheless, the bottle tasted at the chateau showcased the wine's true potential.

The 1990 Ducru Beaucaillou is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the producer. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now, revealing its matured beauty, or it can be cellared further to allow the flavors to develop and evolve. Whichever path is chosen, this wine promises a memorable experience for the discerning connoisseur.