La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2023

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Delicate herbal savouriness, black cherry, some cassis, with candied orange zest in the background. Full-bodied, ripe black cherry, vivid tannins, mineral, delicately leafy savouriness on the finish, chalky-mineral, lingers, some nougat in the aftertaste, has development and certain ageing potential.

58% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot. Delicate blueberry-scented bouquet, subtle violet perfume, perfumed pipe tobacco, licorice, and blueberry drops. On the juicy palate with a silky texture, tightly knit tannic frame, very dense and linear, with dynamic drive and a racy profile pushing forward, and a complex body. Focused finish of blackberry, graphite, and sour-cherry nectar with a fine Szechuan note. “It’s a St. Julien – the quality of the tannins was incredible,” enthuses Bruno Borie.

When 2023 works, it works like this... effortless, opulent, squid ink, graphite, totally delicious. Love this, the cassis and bilberry character against slate, cocoa bean and cigar box. 60% new oak.

The bouquet’s intense fruit expression calls to mind a blueberry tart, instantly putting the pleasure receptors on high alert. Beyond its black-berry character, it also reveals nuances of stone fruit. On the palate, the wine stands out for its vigor and linearity. It delivers in one clean line, and can boast a structuring acidity that counterbalances and ultimately complements its tannic power. The whole still needs to fully come together, but the promise of a great wine is taking shape in the background. Still a touch tight, yet with a long finish.