La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2021

A complex and refined red wine from Saint-Julien

The estate

An iconic Classified Growth of Saint-Julien, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou reigns over a prestigious terroir. In the past 300 years, six families have worked ceaselessly to elevate this estate to the international reputation it enjoys today. A property of the Borie family since 1941, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou takes its name from its terroir of “beautiful pebbles” made up of Gunzian gravel. Under the leadership of Bruno Borie, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou has become one of the greatest red wines of Saint-Julien. Vintage after vintage, the estate’s wines have delighted lovers of Médoc wines in all four corners of the world.

The vineyard

A particularity of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is the exceptional quality of its vineyard. The vines are planted in Günzian and Pyrenean gravel soils deposited by the Gironde estuary nearly two million years ago. From these poor soils, exceptional Saint-Julien wines are born. In addition, the proximity of the Château Ducru-Beaucaillou vineyard to the Gironde estuary ensures a natural protection against the vagaries of the weather.

The wine

Produced from a selection of parcels from the vines of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou provides a unique interpretation of the great terroir of Saint-Julien. This "high-flying" wine is made from vines located to the east of the property, in the centre and west of the Saint-Julien AOC.

Vinification and ageing

The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels from Bordeaux, of which 60% are new and 40% are second-fill barrels. Ullage is carried out regularly during the first six months of ageing, as well as à l'esquive rackings every three months.

The blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (64%)

Merlot (32%)

Petit Verdot (4%).

La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This wine showcases a beautiful deep ruby colour.

Nose

The nose combines fruity fragrances (black fruits, blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry) with subtle notes of cocoa, cardamom and clove. The bouquet also reveals a delicate minerality.

Palate

Full-bodied with a pleasant balance, the palate reveals supple tannins, an intense fruity expression and a beautiful acidity. The finish is persistent and seductive with its great finesse and aromatic richness.