La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2017, St Julien, Bordeaux

A brand in its own right, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is more than just the second wine of the property. With a plot that is exclusively dedicated to this cru, home to an exceptional terroir of Günzian gravel, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou has established itself as a different kind of Médoc wine with its own well-recognised label.

Wine Advocate - 89-91 points

This is not a second wine per se, as it consistently comes from a separate vineyard in Saint-Julien. The blend is usually around 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, but this year it has a high percentage of Merlot: 58%, with 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Croix de Beaucaillou has quite a spicy nose sporting cloves, anise, black pepper and fenugreek with a core of crushed blackberries and black currants plus wafts of underbrush and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and great freshness supporting the vivacious fruit, finishing long and earthy.