The unmissable Château Ducru-Beaucaillou masterclass at DFWE London
Tickets are selling fast for the Château Ducru-Beaucaillou masterclass to be held at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) London. Join us to taste the 100-point 2018 vintage deemed 'one of the greatest wines that this domain has produced’.
Join us on Saturday 16 November for DFWE London, where you’ll have a unique opportunity to experience an exceptional tasting of Bordeaux second growth wines from the St-Julien appellation at the Château Ducru-Beaucaillou masterclass.
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, established in 1720 and a grand cru classé since 1855, has long been renowned for its refined elegance and its exceptional age-worthiness.
Vineyard holdings total 105 hectares with a variety of soil types, including the large-sized gravel (or ‘beaux cailloux’ for which the property is named), as well as marl and sand. The wines are made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon (about 60% depending on the vintage) blended with about one third Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot to give a subtly spicy touch.
‘Great wine is an accumulation of care and attention to detail’
Such is the motto of this standout St-Julien Bordeaux second growth. The masterclass will be led by Bruno-Eugène Borie, the passionate proprietor and the third generation of his family to steward the estate.
Borie, who was born and brought up on the property, celebrated an important milestone last year: his 20-year anniversary at the helm. He will reflect on the legacy of Ducru-Beaucaillou, paying tribute to its long heritage and giving insight into how he is laying solid foundations to safeguard the property’s future prosperity.
Wines to be tasted:
(scroll down to see scores and tasting notes)
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux 2018
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux 2016
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux 2010
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux 2005
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux 2000
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux 1995
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou, St-Julien, Bordeaux 2018
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou, St-Julien, Bordeaux 2016
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Le Petit Ducru, St-Julien, Bordeaux 2019
Guests will taste six vintages of the grand vin, alongside two vintages of the esteemed La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou and a single vintage of the newest addition to the fold, Le Petit Ducru, while highlighting the wines’ different personalities.
The tasting will begin with the 2018 and 2016 vintages of Ducru-Beaucaillou. Moving backwards in time to the 1995 vintage, tasters will see how brilliantly these wines age.
The 2018 and 2016 vintages of La Croix, which is made from grapes from a distinct vineyard plot, will illustrate the role that terroir plays in the wines’ flavour profiles. The tasting will finish with newcomer Le Petit Ducru, which demonstrates that quality can be achieved across price levels.
Ducru’s adviser Tracey Dobbin MW will be on hand to comment and help draw out the nuances of each wine during this masterclass.
A ticket for Château Ducru-Beaucaillou: Time and Terroir masterclass is priced at £175. Places are strictly limited so we recommend booking today to avoid disappointment.
This is an unmissable opportunity for those who enjoy top-notch Bordeaux.
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Essential information
Decanter Fine Wine Encounter London
Date: Saturday 16 November 2024 from 11am to 5:30pm
Location: The Landmark London, NW1 6JQ
Price: Grand Tasting tickets £115 | with Cellar Collection access £155 | Masterclass tickets from £155
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Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France, 2018
Closed on the nose with a deep, inky core, this 2018 remains very primary and youthful. Quite shy and needing coaxing in the glass, the...
2018
Château Ducru-BeaucaillouSt-Julien
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France, 2016
The youngest of a very strong trio (alongside 2010 and 2005) the 2016 is a wonderful example of 'new-wave' Bordeaux with all the intensity, purity...
2016
Château Ducru-BeaucaillouSt-Julien
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France, 2010
Violet/rose petal notes on the nose, together with the first appearance of some tertiary notes (cedar wood and a hint of mushroom). But still very...
2010
Château Ducru-BeaucaillouSt-Julien
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France, 2005
One of the wines of the tasting, 2005 feels like an older style with hints of cigar-box, a touch of lead-pencil and leather suggesting this...
2005
Château Ducru-BeaucaillouSt-Julien
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France, 2000
Moccha, pine and mushroom notes emphasise the development almost 25 years since the vintage. There is still masses of sweet, dark currant fruit on the...
2000
Château Ducru-BeaucaillouSt-Julien
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien, 2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France, 1995
Significantly more development apparent, with notes of leather and cigar combining with drying, leafy tannins and less succulent fruit. Good sweetness on the palate, with...
1995
Château Ducru-BeaucaillouSt-Julien
