1998 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St.-Julien

For 300 years, six families have been deeply connected to Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, overcoming time with unwavering devotion. Named after its "beautiful pebbles" (Gunzian gravel), the estate's nutrient-poor yet exceptional soil, formed two million years ago, contributes to the wine's excellence—a gift of nature.

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou's terroir is defined by its ancient Gunz gravel, nutrient-poor yet essential for deep-rooted vines and optimal grape ripening. These quartz pebbles store daytime heat, releasing it at night to aid maturation. The estate also benefits from its proximity to Europe’s largest estuary, which moderates temperatures, mitigates extreme weather, and enhances vine respiration. Each vintage reflects a unique facet of this exceptional terroir, shaped by nature’s careful balance.