Madame de Beaucaillou 2024

Characteristics and Tasting Recommendations for the 2024 Madame de Beaucaillou from Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Tasting

Nose
The bouquet reveals a delicate aromatic palette intertwining refined floral notes with expressive red and black fruit. Plum and cherry dominate the ensemble, accompanied by a subtle hint of licorice that adds complexity.

Palate
The attack is taut and precise, revealing a juicy core centered on fruit. The delicate structure is supported by powdery tannins that impart a silky texture. The fresh and vibrant finish lingers with persistent red cherry and subtle spice notes, offering a charming and energetic profile.

A Haut-Médoc Wine Combining Indulgence and Liveliness

The Estate

Established around 1730 in the Médoc region of Bordeaux, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou extends its vineyard over 100 hectares. This estate, classified as a Second Growth in 1855, has belonged to the Borie family since 1941 and is now under the direction of Jean-Eugène Borie, who succeeded his father Francis in 1959. Its exceptional terroir of rolled pebbles and its Victorian château built above the cellars are its distinctive signatures. The estate produces three cuvées with a rigorous selection.

The Vineyard

The vines of Madame de Beaucaillou flourish on the terroirs of Haut-Médoc, benefiting from characteristic gravel soils of this appellation. These parcels, some originating from contributions by Madame Eugène-Borie and Madame Fort-Pradère, span 25 hectares. The gravel terroir promotes optimal drainage and gives the wines that distinctive minerality that has made Médoc’s great wines renowned.

The Vintage

The year 2024 began with a mild and wet winter, leading to an early budburst as early as March 25. The rainy spring generated high pressure from downy mildew, while flowering occurred around June 6 under cool conditions. The hot and dry summer, marked by significant temperature swings and a water deficit, promoted concentration. Veraison began around July 20, punctuated by two short heatwaves. Cool nights intensified color and aromas, allowing a moderate accumulation of sugars while preserving high acidity. September brought 136 mm of rain and pressure from botrytis, before the return of dry weather in late September–October, which permitted maturation to finish under excellent conditions.

Winemaking and Aging

The harvest of the 2024 Madame de Beaucaillou was carried out from September 22 to October 10, using a precise, parcel-by-parcel approach. Merlot was picked early, while Cabernet Sauvignon reached full maturity. This meticulous selection results in pure fruit endowed with great tension and excellent aging potential. The wine was aged for 12 months, allowing it to develop complexity while preserving its natural freshness.

Blend

63% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot.