2023, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou, SAINT-JULIEN

Last Year EP $80.00-

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 road from Ducru itself, between Châteaux Saint Pierre and Léoville Barton.
2023 is 58% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. 

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.
94-96 James Suckling.

Inky plum colour, high tannic count but with a cushion of air running underneath, this delivers a contrast of light and shade, and captures an effortless St Julien character, coupled with floral and savoury Cabernet, and the kick of gourmet cocoa bean that is a signature of the wine.
93 Jane Anson.

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, with a touch of graphite on the aftertaste.
91-93 Neal Martin.