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.

Inky plum colour, high tannin level (91 IPT) but with a cushion of air running underneath; this delivers a play of light and shade and captures an effortless Saint-Julien character, coupled with floral and savoury Cabernet, and the kick of gourmet cocoa bean that is the signature of the wine. 60% new oak.