2018 Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 'La Croix de Beaucaillou' Saint Julien

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 Medoc, 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.

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.

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

Tasting Notes:  62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.