Grand Cru Classé 1855 de Saint-Julien, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou will hold an auction on 23 June 2024. Owner Bruno Borie tells us how this historic event is organized.
How is such a sale organized?
At the request of passionate collectors from all over the world, the most renowned auction houses have always asked us to organize the Ducru-Beaucaillou sale. First, my father and then myself in 2003, when I took over the reins of the family estate, were asked to organize an exclusive sale at the estate.
In the context of an exceptionally busy period for Ducru-Beaucaillou, marked by the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the estate in 2020, my twenty years at the helm of the estate (since 2003), and the imminent opening of the new winery, it seemed obvious to us to organize this auction in 2024.
How are the bottles selected? What exactly is on the menu for this sale?
The selection process for the bottles that will be featured has been meticulous. This exceptional sale will feature 60 vintages ranging from 1887 to 2023, reflecting three centuries of the estate's history, and some bottles will be presented in exceptional formats (notably 27 liters, the equivalent of 36 bottles, named here Babylonium).
What is the purpose of this sale in terms of the resonance of such an event?
For us, the purpose of this sale is first and foremost to draw attention to Ducru-Beaucaillou, consolidate its cult status among the world's most prestigious wines, and attract the attention of the world's greatest connoisseurs of exceptional wines. As for potential buyers, this is a difficult question to answer.
In terms of geography, while the main wine markets - France, USA, China, England, and Switzerland - will certainly be represented, the worldwide distribution of Ducru-Beaucaillou wines suggests that buyers may also come from other Asian countries, notably Japan, Scandinavia, Latin America and Africa, where we enjoy a good reputation.
As for buyers, in addition to private collectors, we think we can count on great restaurateurs and prestigious wine merchants who will find here exceptional bottles in perfect condition that cannot be found elsewhere, which will enrich their range and prestige, just like the acquisition of the first batch of white truffles this year.