Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou - Saint-Julien red 2006

Wine region: Bordeaux 

Tasting note: Perfectly balanced, it reveals a lovely aromatic bouquet, that is enhanced by notes of cedar and spices. Unusually long to evolve, this wine needs at least ten years to express all of its finesse and complexity.

Expert Rating 

95 points Decanter

'This is not quite as silky smooth and rich as the 2005 and yet it's full of promise. It feels young, with tannins that are still pulsating around the dark berry fruits, joined by eucalyptus and cigar box notes through the finish. With clear depth of flavor, it's a classically framed St Julien, full of dark cheer, a winter wine for nights by the fire with good food and good friends. (JA)' (9/2019)

95 points James Suckling

'Subtle aromas of currants, blueberries and minerals. Full body with super-integrated tannins and a fine, fine finish. I love the texture to this wine, and it’s just starting to show you the true quality it has. One of the top wines of this vintage.'(7/2013)

95 points Wine Spectator

'Very perfumed and beautiful, showing blackberry and raspberry aromas, with hints of vanilla. Deep and complex. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, powerful finish. Excellent for the vintage. *Top 100 Wines of 2009, Collectible* (JS)' (3/2009)

94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

'Deep garnet in color, the 2006 Ducru-Beaucaillou delivers expressive Black Forest cake, blackcurrant cordial and chocolate box scents with touches of fertile loam, espresso, Marmite toast and black olives. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegantly played with vibrant fruit expression and a firm, grainy texture, finishing with a lively lift. (LPB)' (8/2020)

94 points Wine Enthusiast

'This is that rare Bordeaux Cabernet that comes close in style to a Napa Cabernet. The character comes from the mint aromas and medicinal edge, formed from new wood aging. At this stage in its development, the wine is powerful, but closed and tight. However, it is possible to taste the ripe perfumes and the black cherry juice flavors that come through the vanilla. (RV)' (3/2009)

93 points Jeb Dunnuck

'The 2006 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a rich, masculine styled effort that’s just now at the early stages of its drink window. Classic Cabernet notes of blackcurrants, toasty oak, graphite, truffle, and a touch of cedarwood all emerge from the glass, and it’s rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and structured. It takes a solid hour in a decanter to open up, has lots of sweet tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish.' (2/2020)

About the winery

Saint Julien may not have any first growths, but if we forget about ranking and focus on quality, Château Ducru Beaucaillou is a perfect ambassador for the appellation. Created at the end of the 17th century, the property quickly demonstrated a capacity to produce fine wines. A century later, when mildew was destroying many of Bordeaux's vineyards, Ducru Beaucaillou managed to escape thanks to a new treatment discovered by the château's steward: the famous bouillie bordelaise (Bordeaux mixture) consisting of copper sulphate and lime, which is still used today. However, as it was popular in America, the property suffered greatly during prohibition, which deprived it of many customers. In 1941, Ducru Beaucaillou was bought by Francis Borie, who renovated the winery and replanted the vineyard. The property is still skilfully managed by the Borie family, who have managed to maintain the exceptional quality of the production.

The considerable presence of cailloux (pebbles) in the vineyard's soil, which is of course the origin of the château's name, contributes greatly to the wine's quality.