La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2015 - Second Vin du Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Like a fine wine, it will continue to develop in the cellar, but for now, its pure fruit and immediately soft texture are what stand out.

About the estate:

Since 2003, Bruno Borie, with the invaluable assistance of Éric Boissenot as his winemaking consultant, has helped this renowned cru regain its former glory, coming very close to—and at times surpassing—certain premiers crus. The second wine, La Croix-de-Beaucaillou, which includes the remarkable vineyards of the former Terrey Gros Cailloux, has finally joined the best in its category since 2005. A third Saint-Julien, Lalande-Borie, a long-established and highly regarded brand in the wine trade, refers to a supple, elegant, and early-drinking wine, produced from vines that belonged to Château Lagrange in 1855.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the wine:

This Croix de Beaucaillou is full of charm and should not be considered a second wine, as it comes from a specific vineyard plot in the heart of the appellation. It features vibrant black fruit, a creamy attack, and velvety yet lively tannins.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2015 La Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. It has a floral note on the nose: small black cherries, blueberries, and faded violets, with the latter becoming more intense as the initially tight wine opens up in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. The acidity is very well balanced, and the texture is harmonious and silky. The wine’s character is more pronounced on the palate than on the nose at this stage, but it is a very classy “second wine” that just needs a bit more length on the finish.

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Lovers of classic Médoc wines will find what they’re looking for in Ducru-Beaucaillou. Bruno Borie manages this superb estate with talent and determination; in recent years, he has positioned it among the top Bordeaux wines. Never ostentatious, nor over-extracted nor overly powerful, the wines shine with their distinction and the silkiness of their texture. These are deep, approachable, and balanced Médocs. Be warned, however: since a Ducru-Beaucaillou only fully reveals itself with age, it is always a shame to taste it too early; its great freshness on the finish and the elegant texture of its tannins are a testament to the exceptional character of its terroir. Croix de Beaucaillou, the château’s former second wine, is now a cru in its own right, with its own dedicated vineyard plots.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This wine, sourced from a select plot in the Ducru-Beaucaillou vineyard, is bursting with tannins and rich fruit. Its structure suggests great aging potential, while its concentration and dark fruit are already impressive. It is a rich wine that embodies the classic elegance of Saint-Julien.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Dark berries, iron, and hints of rust with a touch of iodine. Full-bodied, round, and juicy, with a solid backbone of tannins and concentration. This second wine from Ducru-Beaucaillou. Brilliant. Ready to drink from 2021.