Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

Atherton Wine Imports 2026 tasting at République, Los Angeles. 2022 vintage. Better, longer finish than the 2021 version. Dark plum and cassis ruling the roost here. 3.18.26. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou – 2021
AOC Saint-Julien – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
The second wine of the famed 2nd Growth Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, crafted under the stewardship of the Borie family. The 2021 vintage carries the estate’s signature terroir of deep gravel soils (“beaux cailloux” meaning “beautiful stones”), producing wines with elegance, depth, and longevity. Typical blend leans on Cabernet Sauvignon 64%, Merlot 32% and Petit Verdot 4% for a compelling profile.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark plum layered with graphite, tobacco, and cedar. Secondary notes of violets, cocoa powder, and subtle spice add depth and intrigue.

Mouthfeel
Firm tannic backbone with a silky texture emerging mid-palate. Medium to full-bodied, offering precision and finesse over sheer power. Fresh acidity frames the fruit, finishing long with mineral-driven elegance.

Food Pairings
Ribeye steak, venison, or duck confit, gourmet burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, or truffle pizza. Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or sharp Cheddar.

Verdict
A true Saint-Julien expression, structured yet polished, approachable in youth but built to evolve. This second wine offers a taste of Ducru’s pedigree without the grand vin price tag.

Did You Know?
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou earned its name from the large “beautiful stones” (cailloux) that dominate the vineyard’s gravel soils, perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in heat-retentive terroir.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: For lovers of Left Bank Bordeaux, this is a perfect introduction to Ducru’s magic, refined, powerful, and unmistakably Saint-Julien at a very affordable price point. Cheers! — 8 months ago

Jan Laursen

8.9

Fyldig, frugtig, let floral, men heldigvis også stram syre. Rigtig fin madvin. — 5 years ago

Vitaly Domnenko

9.2

Long decanting is necessary!
Bm+. Tm+. Am. Fm. — 6 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.2

James Suckling says this is Ducru’s second wine. Wine Enthusiast says this is no longer their second wine. Wine Spectator says it’s no longer their second wine...”per se.” I believe the issue in question is where the fruit is sourced from and it appears the fruit is no longer sourced from the same vineyards as the grand vin, thus the reticence to actually call it a true second wine. Call it what you will, it’s delightful. Exhibiting a lovely finesse and balance, the nose is chalk full of mint, clove, red cherries, and tobacco. On the palate ripe blackberries, cherries, and hen of the wood. Fine grained tannins with great balance, this is very drinkable at this point in its lifespan. Medium-bodied, relatively light on its feet, and delicious. Fun Fact: Croix no longer shares a common label with the grand vin; the new label (shown in picture) being an entirely fresh and unique design created by Jade Jagger, daughter of Mick Jagger. — 7 years ago

with Krystal

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2022 vintage. The second wine of Cru Classé Montlabert. — 4 months ago

Becky

9.7

85% merlot / 15 % cab franc — 8 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2020 vintage. Absolutely delicious and incredible value. Abv. 14%. — a year ago

Shizuka Tanoue

9.0

料理を引き立ててくれる！ — 3 years ago

Aravind A

9.0

Pop and pour. Still way too young, but a solid Corton-Charly. On the nose: soft mango, lime, oak toast, struck match, charcoal and black pepper. On the palate: good acidity, slightly thin, but lemon oil, green apple, black pepper. Only complaint is that this is slightly hollow on the mid-palate at this stage. Otherwise, everything is in its place..maybe time will set everything straight. — 5 years ago

Symko

9.1

Excellent authentic Bordeaux! — 7 years ago

Claude Wyle

9.0

In a French restaurant Convivial tried this Bordeaux and I really liked it. Strongish but smooth finish. Good fruit. Dark color. Highlight but the meal was excellent. — 8 years ago

Dani Ruiz Sanchez

9.3

Rojo fuerte. Con cuerpo, afrutado y suave. — 9 years ago

Ming L

9.2

Sourced largely from dedicated parcels and younger vines in a frost-challenged year, it opens with red currant, graphite, and cedar, layered with subtle floral and savory notes. The palate is full bodied and precise, with polished tannins, fresh acidity, and restrained oak.

More akin to Clos du Marquis to Leoville Las Cases in spirit than declassified Grand Vin, this is a well priced Cuvée from Ducru. — 7 months ago

Alexandre Pagliano

9.0

We took no notes. Very modern but not overdone, we actually liked it a lot. — 9 months ago

with Jose, veronique and 1 other

Peter van den Besselaar

9.1

Vintage 2020 | Excited that I was able to buy this cuvée 20000 because it is made from a small vineyard plot of 1,4 ha. This Merlot wine is performing above its modest origin. Fine smell with red fruit, plums and spices. Velvety taste after a few hours aeration. Reminds me of Saint Emilion Grand Crus. Lovely effort. Paired with Beef and mango Cantonese Style. | Also impressions of mocca and chocolate after more time in the glass. — 2 years ago

Gilbert Van Hassel

9.7

Muscular very chalky Corton Charlemagne “la croix”. Wood not fully integrated. Very promising — 5 years ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.2

The 2015 BDX continue to amaze and this Fronsac fits the bill. No decanting necessary. Jumping out of the bottle with beautiful red fruit and cassis notes, silky, and nicely balanced and integrated tannins, at such a young age, I am amazed. Feels like drinking a Grand Cru from a slightly lesser vintage. Great value too. If I can find it, I’ll buy a case. Hopefully two. — 6 years ago

Kapyrick Wine

9.0

V12. Very nice. Soft oregano and cedar nose. Bright black cherry fruit. Dry, tight , slightly tart finish. Youthful wine. Enjoyable. — 8 years ago

Olivier Huguenin

9.1

Quel grand vin! c’est incroyable comme c’est facile à boire, pas très complexe mais profond, simple en apparence mais qui tromperait de nombreux grand saint émilion! — 8 years ago