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Beaucaillou translates to "beautiful pebble." This estate takes its name from the stones that lie in the vineyards. Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of the oldest in the Médoc, with records dating back to the 13th century.

The Borie family has been at the helm of the estate since 1940, consistently looking to improve. It is now managed by Bruno-Eugène Borie, the youngest son of the family and third generation of Borie, who has hands-on involvement in making the wine. 

Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou is a world-renowned 2nd Growth classified Chateau. The estate has been one of wine critic's darlings through the years and has received numerous accolades and 90+ scores. They were awarded "the wine of the vintage" from Wine Spectator for their 1995 vintage.

Like the best classified growths that stretch along the estuary, starting from Margaux in the south, up to St Estèphe in the north, this property is perched on a magnificent emplacement of the Médoc with an unimpeded view over the Gironde estuary. The terroir of Saint Julien appellation is characterized by gravel from the Garonne dating back to the first period (Günz) of the Quaternary era; this layer gradually thins out from east to west, dwindling to fine white gravel and eolian sands at the westernmost end of the appellation.

Ducru-Beaucaillou vineyard stretches out along the eastern side of this vast communal terroir, hugging the river in the area where the quaternary gravels are the deepest. Gravel soil presents many advantages: it drains well, reflects the sun onto the grapes in closely planted vineyards, stores the heat of the day and releases it at night, forms a barrier that prevents the soil from drying out during hot summers… It is because of its soil that Ducru-Beaucaillou is often considered the archetypal Saint-Julien.

Placed at #80 in James Suckling’s Top 100 French Wines of 2025, La Croix confirms its reputation as one of the most accomplished second wines of the Médoc, showcasing Saint-Julien’s hallmark balance of structure and refinement.

La Croix is Ducru-Beaucaillou's second label. These wines are crafted from the grapes grown in the beautiful vineyard of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, located in an exceptional Médoc terroir, and an ideal soil is for producing top-quality wines. The vineyard is divided into two sections, each with its own special characteristics. La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is a one-of-a-kind blend that represents the estate's unique terroir, and the winery takes a passionate and dedicated approach to craft exceptional wines.

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 95 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A new paradigm for Bordeaux. Very aromatic and sleek, fresh and pure in feel, with all major varietals performing well; far more consistent than the 2018-2020 trio."

Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels (60% new)

66% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot.

~ #80 Top 100 French Wines of 2025 by James Suckling

Such a youthful La Croix that’s full of bright blue fruit with lots of mineral tension. Violets, graphite and wet stones on the nose. Tight-grained and crunchy on the palate, with an almost full body and a long, fresh and compact finish. Firm, fresh and vibrant, with nicely chewy, stony tannins. It needs three to four years to come around. 66% merlot, 32% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot. Drink from 2029. ~95 James Suckling

The wine is spicy with a smoky edge. Ripe tannins come through the dense toasty character, as well as the juicy, fresh aftertaste. It is an impressive, solid wine with considerable potential. ~95 Wine Enthusiast

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Delicately spicy-peppery, underpinned with black forest berryish fruit, ripe cherries, nougat, very inviting bouquet. Deep and complex, dark fruit, cool touch, firm, supporting tannins, mineral and lasting, dark nougat in the finish. Will benefit from a few more years of bottle ageing. ~95 Falstaff

This is a blend of 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 66% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts with bold notes of blueberry pie and black cherry preserves, opening out to nuances of chocolate box, black pepper, and garrigue with a touch of mint tea. The full-bodied palate is juicy and plush with a lively line and long fragrant vintage. YUM! ~95 The Wine Palate

The second wine of the château, the 2022 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is slightly more Merlot based, as the majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon went to the Grand Vin. Based on 66% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot, it has a dense purple hue as well as brilliant aromatics of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, and spring flowers. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Saint-Julien offering fine, polished tannins, remarkable elegance, and a great finish. Despite being a second wine, this brings ample structure and tannins and will have well over two decades of longevity. ~94 Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou has a wonderful, beautifully defined bouquet with pure blackberry, briar and cedar scents becoming ever more floral as it opens in the glass. It's concentrated but very well controlled. The palate is medium-bodied, tensile and poised with saturated tannins, a keen line of acidity and a sophisticated, persistent finish. This is a seriously fine Deuxième Vin that should require three or four years in bottle. ~94 Vinous Media

Intense, concentrated, succulent, bitter cocoa bean and mint leaf, dark berry fruit, this is capturing the spirit of the vintage but giving it a sleek, confident accent, packed with sinewy tannins, and floral accents. 80% new oak for ageing, harvest September 7 to October 4. An upscore since En Primeur. ~94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

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