La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2020

Really perfumed, lovely rose and violet notes on the nose, floral, aromatic and expressive. Supple, round and quite tense, this has a buzzy energy to it, a little lean and spiced right now, some coarse, grippy tannins, but nice vertical layering. Well framed with clear power but well controlled with freshness and succulence to the blackcurrant and blueberry fruits.

Aromas of currants, orange peel and dried flowers. Minerals. Medium to full body, fine and lightly chewy tannins, and a long, linear finish. Hints of salt. Crushed stone. Flavorful and bright. A little closed. Needs time to open. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 44% merlot, and 3% petit verdot. Better after 2027.

Deep ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, slight brightening at the rim. Delicate nuances of noble wood, black wild berries, cassis, ripe plum, candied orange zest. Juicy, elegant, fresh red cherry, lively acidity, fine nougat, silky tannins, shows good length, pleasant minerality, good ageing potential.

The second wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou matches many châteaux' Grand Vins. Their 2020 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou (52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot) reveals a dense purple hue as well as a full-bodied array of cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and tobacco. It has tons of minerality, a stacked mid-palate, and ripe tannins. Give bottles 2–4 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following two decades.

(53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 13.75% vol. alcohol) Dark, fruity, velvety bouquet, cassis, tobacco, cedar. Balanced, full, fruity palate with dense structure, powerful dark aromatics, fresh, vigorous aromatics, plenty of fine tannins, long, firm, powerful finish. Still has room to improve. 17/20 2026 - 2038

The 2020 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little swirling to bring out notes of plum preserves, warm cassis, and underbrush with touches of clove oil, cedar chest, and black olives. The medium- to full-bodied palate is chock-full of juicy black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and spicy.

An elegant, refined nose of dark chocolate, coffee grounds, and spiced plum. Generous, seductive aromas. A silky flow on the palate, with juicy persistence and mineral precision that bring energy and extend the wine’s length.