Château Ducru Beaucaillou 1988

Elegant and savoury, this 1988 Saint-Julien opens with aromas of cedar, leather, and graphite, lifted by dried blackcurrant and tobacco leaf. On the palate it is medium-bodied yet structured, showing flavours of cassis, earth, and spice wrapped in fine-grained tannins. Its deep garnet colour with a brick-orange rim reveals its maturity, while the finish is long, dry, and complex, leaving notes of cigar box and sous-bois.

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, a celebrated deuxième cru classé of the Médoc, is known for its finesse, minerality, and longevity, qualities drawn from the gravelly soils that give the estate its name (“beautiful pebbles”). The 1988 vintage in Bordeaux produced firm, classically styled wines built for ageing. Now at full maturity, this Ducru shows the elegance and savoury depth of traditional left-bank Bordeaux, a fine example of the château’s ability to age with grace over decades.

"This is a little softer than the 1986, with coffee, plum and cassis notes. It's highly appealing right now, sweet and caressing as it opens in the glass, but this is one to drink within the next five to ten years."

Jane Anson for Decanter in 2019

N.b. please be aware that these bottles have been purchased from a private cellar. Storage conditions were perfect but some bottles do have minor rack damage to labels. If you require pictures of any bottles before purchase, please use the contact form stating the quantity you would like.  

Read More