| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This wine has been made since 1995, but the name has recently changed from “Croix de Beaucaillou” to “La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou”. Originally a second wine of Ducru, it has been produced since 2005 from a specific vineyard site situated on the opposite side of the D2 road from Ducru itself, between Châteaux Saint Pierre and Léoville Barton. It is regarded as being of classed growth quality but in an approachable style thanks to a higher than average proportion of Merlot for Saint Julien. Other "re-branding" here mean that the former Lalande Borie has now been re-named Petit Ducru whilst Fourcas-Borie is now Madame de Beaucaillou
The Croix in 2023 is 58% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Production was approximately 9,000 dozen. 60% new oak for 12 months.
The 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou has a very perfumed and floral bouquet: plush red berry fruit, vanilla, cedar and blood orange, well-defined with deftly integrated new oak (60%). The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins that lend this La Croix a bit more backbone than recent vintages. It’s very fresh; white pepper and thyme complement the bright red fruit, leading to an overtly peppery finish, with a touch of graphite on the aftertaste.
Deep ruby colour, with a serious, intense nose of dark fruit that has just a touch of exotic coconut to its wood profile. The palate is chalky and serious, this wine has certainly broadened its shoulders and become more ambitious in recent years. Intense, ripe but pure blackcurrant fruit pierces through the mid palate, matching sweet oak and savoury undertones, this is designed to age. Long and spicy on the finish. An impressive Croix.
The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.
Inky plum colour, high tannic count (91IPT) but with a cushion of air running underneath, this delivers a contrast of light and shade, and captures an effortless St Julien character, coulpled with floral and savoury Cabernet, and the kick of gourmet cocoa bean that is a signature of the wine. 60% new oak.
58% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Deep, purple-black colour. Rich, ripe and a touch flashy to start. But reasonably structured with some freshness as well. Saline finish. Medium-term drinking. (JL) 13.5%
Drink 2030 – 2038
