2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien

The purity of fruit is so beautiful here with blackcurrants and violets, as well as freshly shaved lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied with refined tannins that are wonderfully polished and give plenty of texture. Goes on for minutes. Second wine of Ducru. 58% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon and 2% petit verdot.

The 2023 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou has a very perfumed and floral bouquet: plush red berry fruit vanilla cedar and blood orange well-defined with deftly integrated new oak (60%). The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins that lend this La Croix a bit more backbone than recent vintages. It’s very fresh; white pepper and thyme complement the bright red fruit leading to an overtly peppery finish with a touch of graphite on the aftertaste.

58% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Deep, purple-black colour. Rich, ripe and a touch flashy to start. But reasonably structured with some freshness as well. Saline finish. Medium-term drinking. (JL)