1990 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St.-Julien

Saint-Julien is renowned for the elegance and finesse of its wines, and Ducru-Beaucaillou stands as a prime example of the grandeur born from the appellation's signature gravel soils. The name "Beaucaillou" itself is a tribute to the "beautiful stones" that comprise these soils, providing exceptional drainage and playing a crucial role in shaping the wine's distinctive character. The estate's Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated vineyard, with an average vine age of 35 years, benefits from its proximity to the Gironde estuary, which moderates the microclimate and protects the vines from extreme weather. Among its 185 acres, the Les Sadons plot stands as the heart and soul of Ducru-Beaucaillou, planted as far back as 1918. Its deep gravel soils and close proximity to the Gironde River create an exceptional terroir, ranking among the best in the Médoc.