Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

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 ranks of the best in its category since 2005. A third Saint-Julien, Lalande-Borie—a long-established and highly regarded brand in the wine trade—is a supple, elegant, and early-drinking wine made from vines that belonged to Château Lagrange in 1855.

Decanter

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

A newcomer to the Ducru-Beaucaillou estate, the wine Le Petit Ducru was formerly known as Lalande-Borie. It is essentially a third wine, produced from a portion of the Ducru-Beaucaillou vineyard. The 2018 Le Petit Ducru is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged for 12 months in barrels, one-third of which were new oak. It has an alcohol content of 14.5%. Deep garnet in color, it bursts from the glass with wonderfully pure aromas of black and red currants, black raspberries, and blackberries, as well as hints of tobacco leaf, bay leaf, and fertile soil. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, the palate delivers flavors of juicy black fruits that fill the mouth with supple tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a herbaceous note.

About the estate:

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

About the estate:

Lovers of great classic Médoc wines will find what they’re looking for with 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, these wines shine with their distinction and silky texture. They are deep, easy-drinking, and well-balanced great Médoc wines. Be warned, however: since a Ducru-Beaucaillou only fully reveals itself with age, it’s 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.

Vinous

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of blackberry and blueberry, with notes of black licorice and dark violets, leading into a medium- to full-bodied wine with ultra-fine tannins and a lovely finish. Very fine texture. Best enjoyed after 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck