By Julie Carpentier
1945
“Outstanding quality.”
****** (mythic)
“Despite the challenges during this era, the 1940s produced legendary vintages.
The 1945 is an iconic vintage for Ducru-Beaucaillou, a symbol of excellence amidst World War II’s upheaval, setting a new standard for subsequent vintages. The Desbarats family managed Ducru-Beaucaillou for over a decade, before selecting my grandfather as its successor in 1941.”
Bruno Borie
Weather
The winter brought heavy snow and plummeting temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. April experienced hot and dry conditions, reaching a peak of 28 degrees Celsius on April 19th. The end of the month was cooled by refreshing spring rains. Severe frost on May 2nd diminished potential yields, followed by a rapid rise in temperatures, reaching the mid-30s by mid-May. The first flowers emerged on May 12th, marking one of the earliest appearances on record, followed by ideal summer conditions. June maintained warmth with intermittent rains, beneficial for vine growth. July’s heatwave saw temperatures soar to 36 degrees Celsius, perfect for vine development. August brought hot days with intermittent cool showers, ideal for the fruit’s ripening phase.
Harvest
Harvest began on September 13th under sunny skies. The warm and dry conditions persisted throughout picking, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees Celsius. This yielded small, highly concentrated fruit, resulting in rich, well-structured, and outstanding quality wines.
focus on the lots
the sale
Auction held at the Estate
23 JUNE 2024
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
33250 Saint-Julien, Médoc, France
Morning sale 10am CEST (EUROPE/PARIS)
Vintages from 2003 to 2023
A celebration of Bruno-Eugène’s 20 years at the helm of the estate with these younger vintages.
Afternoon sale 2pm CEST (EUROPE/PARIS)
Vintages from 1887 to 2000
A celebration of memory through these more mature vintages.
