2018 Château La Croix de Beaucaillou

The 2018 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou (note the subtle change of name) was raised 12 months in barrel (60% new) and then transferred into vat, and bottled in June 2020. It has a seductive though almost understated bouquet that bides its time, unfolding to reveal black cherries, menthol (though less prominently than out of barrel) and hints of fennel and clove. There is something reassuringly complex about this Deuxième Vin. The palate is vibrant and lively on the entry, retaining the vitality and vigor it showed en primeur. Succulent ripe tannins belie the structure of this La Croix de Beaucaillou, which delivers an engaging saline finish. It has calmed down since I tasted it in barrel, although there is still a soupçon of fieriness on the aftertaste emanating from the 15% alcohol, which is why I am prudent with my score.

- Neal Martin (01/2021)

The second wine of this great domaine is the 2018 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou. A blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot, this ripe, opulent beauty boasts a dense purple color to go with a sexy, full-bodied style showing loads of blackcurrants, cassis, spice, candied violet, and tobacco-like aromas and flavors. Plush, full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, this is one big, sumptuous Saint-Julien that's going to evolve for 15-20 years or more. (03/2021)

The 2018 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is deep garnet purple in color. It features notions of warm cassis, baked plums, and roses, with hints of spice cake, chocolate, and stewed tea. Medium-bodied, the palate has ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness supporting the generous fruit, with a fragrant finish. (02/2023)

The 2018 La Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, aged 12 months in two-third new barriques. It has a pH of 3.75, 15% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 96. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with vibrant notes of crushed blueberries, baked plums and blackcurrant cordial with hints of bouquet garni, underbrush, clove oil and cast-iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing earthy. Not a second wine as such, because it comes from a dedicated part of the vineyard, the blocks for La Croix de Beaucaillou are generally located on the south bank of the La Mouline steam.

- Lisa Perrotti-Brown (03/2021)