2023 Château Ducru-Beaucaillou La Croix de Beaucaillou

the Château Ducru-Beaucaillou winery

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is one of the icons of the Saint-Julien appellation and is among the most famous Grand Cru Classés of the Médoc. The château takes its name from the large pebbles ("beaux cailloux") in the soil, which ensure excellent drainage and heat retention, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Under the leadership of Bruno Borie, Ducru-Beaucaillou is known for its combination of power and elegance, and La Croix de Beaucaillou is the estate's second wine. This cuvée has evolved in recent years into a fully-fledged wine project, with its own distinct character that remains true to the château's signature.

vineyards and terroir

The grapes come from vineyards in the heart of Saint-Julien, where gravelly soils form the basis for wines with structure, finesse, and excellent aging potential. In 2023, the vineyard, thanks to careful vineyard management, yielded healthy grapes despite high humidity and the threat of powdery mildew. Extensive work was done to ensure optimal ripeness of the grapes, with a final yield of 41 hl/ha. The result is a wine that combines the freshness of the vintage with a remarkably structured profile.

the 2023 harvest

The growing season saw early flowering and a period of tropical weather with storms. To maintain quality, strict selection was applied and the foliage was halved. Harvesting began on September 8th, and the Merlot was harvested quickly to preserve its freshness. The Cabernet Sauvignon benefited from rain later in September, giving these grapes a linear and floral profile. The 2023 blend consists of 58% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot.

vinification and maturation

The wine is traditionally vinified and aged in oak barrels, 60% of which are new. This choice emphasizes the wine's precision and structure without overshadowing its elegant fruit expression. La Croix de Beaucaillou is therefore no longer a classic "second wine," but a full-fledged Saint-Julien with its own style, characterized by finesse, power, and aging potential.

color, smell and taste

The 2023 La Croix de Beaucaillou opens with a floral and refined nose, with notes of red berries, violets, cedar, vanilla, and a hint of blood orange. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with firm yet polished tannins. The fruit is pure and vibrant, with hints of blackcurrant, white pepper, and spice. The finish is long, slightly peppery, and with subtle graphite notes, resulting in a wine that is both inviting in its youth and suitable for long-term aging.

reviews and storage potential

International critics praised the 2023 vintage as a successful and elegant expression of Saint-Julien. Neal Martin awarded the wine 91-93 points, highlighting its floral nose, freshness, and taut structure. James Suckling rated it 94-95 points and called the fruit purity "beautiful," with a finish that lingers for several minutes. The wine's aging potential extends to at least 2045, with the wine expected to gain further complexity in the coming years.

Would you like to order Château Ducru-Beaucaillou wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator.

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wine and food pairings

• Grilled entrecote with béarnaise sauce – the juiciness of the meat is supported by the firm structure and fresh acidity.
• Wild boar stew with herbs – the spicy notes of the dish complement the peppery finish of the wine perfectly.
• Veal shank with gremolata – the citrus and fresh herbs balance the ripe fruit notes.
• Mushroom risotto with Parmesan – the creaminess of the risotto combines beautifully with the refined tannins and mineral nuances.
• Roast duck with orange and star anise – the fruity and spicy complexity of the wine enhances the rich flavors of this dish.
• Hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda – the salty and nutty notes of the cheese match the length and power of the wine.