2020 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou En Primeur
Sporting a new (slightly clearer) name and a refreshed label, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is described by Jane Anson as "a standout success" (95 points). Like yesterday's release Alter Ego de Palmer, La Croix is establishing itself as one of the more serious second wines, with drinking dates extending well over 20 years.
Bordeaux En Primeur, landing in spring 2023
Limited availability. To order, e-mail us at sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk
Producer Profile
La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou, St.-Julien
La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is the 'deuxième vin' ofChâteau Ducru-Beaucaillou, a Deuxième Grands Cru Classé inSt.-Julien.
One of the oldest estates in the Medoc, Ducru-Beaucaillou dates back to the 13th century. The second half of the name derives from the terroir, which is covered with large stones, 'beau-caillou', literally 'beautiful stones'. Bertrand Ducru purchased the estate in 1795, adding his own name. The property changed hands several times over the decades and was purchased in the 1940s by the Borie family (who also own Grand Puy Lacoste).
Bruno Borie took over in 2003 and has elevated the quality to the current high level, making this one of the 'super second' estates. His personality is everywhere at the estate, including the distinctive pop art he installed in the cellars (tasting here feels a little incongruous, like visiting a rather louche nightclub).
The 75 hectares of vines are planted to 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, averaging 35 years of age, at a density of10,000 vines per hectare.
The second wine was recently re-named, previously it was known as La Croix de Beaucaillou.
