| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Bruno Borie's relentless pursuit of excellence at Ducru Beaucaillou has resulted in the production levels of the Grand Vin falling by around 50%. The chief beneficiary of the draconian selection process here is this - the second label - which contains fruit that was once always used for Ducru itself. The vines are situated near to Leoville Barton. Really a single vineyard separate wine with a label designed by Jade Jagger. The younger and less well situated vines are used for Lalande Borie.
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
Intense and pure aromas of blueberries and cassis here,. The palate has a smooth, fine-edged core of tannin and a good build of rich fruit flavor. Some graphite to the black fruit. A blend of 58% merlot, 39% cabernet sauvignon and 3% petit verdot. Second wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. Drink or hold.
This is not a second wine per se, as it consistently comes from a separate vineyard in Saint-Julien. The blend is usually around 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, but this year it has a high percentage of Merlot: 58%, with 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Croix de Beaucaillou has quite a spicy nose sporting cloves, anise, black pepper and fenugreek with a core of crushed blackberries and black currants plus wafts of underbrush and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and great freshness supporting the vivacious fruit, finishing long and earthy.
The Merlot here is grown on sandy-gravel soils and brings both freshness and structure. There's good balance, plush autumnal berry fruits and lovely spice, supported by well placed, delicate tannins. It's a clear Médoc twist on the varietal, even though this is a little lusher and more approachable than in recent years where Cabernet Sauvignon has been higher in the blend - last year it was at 66%, but vintage conditions in 2017 affected some of the crop. It's a little different in expression from 2016, but is an extremely high quality, great drinking wine. 3.74pH. IPT 75.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2038
Deep crimson. Again that scented cherry fruit that I tasted in Lalande Borie with just a hint of char. Savoury as well as sweet-fruited – definite red fruit on the silky mid palate. Firmer on the finish but lots of fruit in the middle and a long, juicy, fresh finish. Fine tannins and just a hint of chocolate-sweet tannins on the finish.
Drink 2024-2035
Ripe fruit gives richness and depth on the nose the palate has mix of sweet black fruits mid richness. Lighter at the back the fresh fruits give brightness on the finish. Drink 2024-2036.
This is a sexy, juicy Croix with a rather flamboyant nose and touches of exoticism. It really works in this vintage and rather than trying to maintain a Cabernet dominance, the Merlot looked good enough to carry the wine on its own.
This is very fresh and minerally with a salty and oyster shell character. Full body, tight and bright. Plenty of currant flavors too.
