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Croix Ducru Beaucaillou 2022

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Petit Verdot

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 2022 is 66% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot. Bruno thinks that this is the best wine ever made here - partly thanks to the addition of several plots of Merlot that would normally be used for Ducru itself.

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Label

Tasting Notes

The 2022 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou contains a lot more Merlot this year as they were compensating for the lack of Cabernet Sauvignon, this Deuxième Vin raised in 80% new oak. It has a delineated bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit. The briary and smoky aromas feel more understated compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and seamlessly integrated oak that lends a silky texture. Very harmonious with an insistent grip (the IPT is 93), it lacquers the mouth long after it has departed. That Pauillac tincture is displayed and defines its precise finish. Excellent, but be warned that the oak will require several years to assimilate fully. Not so far behind the Grand Vin because of the growing season. 2030-2058

93/95
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2023

The 2022 La Croix de Beaucaillou opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cigar wrapper and fresh mint, framed by creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a deep core of fruit framed by chunky tannins, it's a blend of 66% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot.

90/92
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (266), April 2023

Deep ruby with a powerful nose of ripe black fruit. The palate is a powerhouse, chewy and dense with black fruit. Oily and succulent with a long, ripe finish, this is a seductive, approachable, creamy introduction to the wines of Ducru Beaucaillou.

91/94
Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, April 2023

A chewy and polished red with blackberry and blueberry character. Full to medium body. Fine and tensioned. Excellent finish. Salty. Blackcurrants at the end. 66% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon, and 2% petit verdot.

94/95
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2023

The 2022 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is a blend of 66% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a swirl or two to reveal very pure, evocative notes of baked plums, boysenberries, and pencil shavings, leading to suggestions of sauteed herbs and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is intensely fruity and tightly wound with loads of savory layers and a firm backbone of grainy tannins, leading to a long, mineral-laced finish. This is impressive! pH 3.75, TPI 93.

90/92
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2023
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.