A little leaner than some vintages of La Croix, although with lovely concentration still at 10 years. It has maintained a fresh core, plenty of grip and spice. The Petit Verdot is making its presence felt and this is full of signature St-Julien character, with a twist of smoke. 60% new oak. First vintage with the Jade Jagger label, and really the time that they began to put the emphasis on this as its own separate entity. Drinking Window 2021 - 2032
Blind tasted by Jane Anson (at Bordeaux, 19 Feb 2021)

Always a dramatic tasting complete with beautiful hostesses, candelit arrival and general -drama- the first feature of this tasting was the Croix, with its swanky -new- label. This was introduced for the 2009 vintage in a definite move to lessen the sense of 'second vin' from this wine - designed by Jade Jagger (Beaucaillou means - beautiful stones - and the daughter of a Rolling Stone seemed appropriate for the task) it's certainly dramatic. Great concentration of fruit on the nose, great perfume - white flowers, cassis, dark fruits. Delicious and juicy, the palate follows the nose and boasts a really silky texture.

The opaque ruby/purple-tinged 2011 Croix de Beaucaillou (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) exhibits copious aromas of incense, Christmas fruitcake and red and black currants presented in a richly fruity, opulent style that is almost atypical in a vintage such as 2011 (which generally emphasizes acidity, delineation and more traditional structure and freshness). This beauty is clearly a sleeper of the vintage. It should drink well for 10-15 years. If you haven’t noticed yet, it’s time to jump on Bruno Borie’s bandwagon for the two wines being produced from separate parts of the Ducru Beaucaillou vineyard.

The 2011 La Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. It has fine delineation on the nose that is dominated by creamy new oak at the moment, although it is completely in synch with the ebullient ripe blackberry and briary fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with quite succulent tannins. There is a keen thread of citrus lemon and a touch of orange rind, with fine delineation and poise towards the tensile finish. This is a very fine second wine for the vintage, fresh and lively. Tasted April 2012.

Aromas of plums and berries with hints of chocolate and spice. Medium to full body, with firm tannins and a chocolate and berry undertone. Well done. Second wine of Ducru. 7% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot, and 73% Cabernet Sauvignon.

[73CS/20M/7PV] Marked minerality to smell; freshly elegant, moderately concentrated with a fresh to lively acidity and firm tannin; lean, slightly austere style of flavour, nice length in its taut, dry style, but not a great deal of depth or flesh; that said, an attractive vitality and good fruit length. 2018-30 [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

Drink 2017-2028 Now with its Jade Jagger label (Rolling Stone and Beaucaillou, gettit?). 'Planned to ask Christian Lacroix but he was working on beer', said Bruno Borie. 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot. First year for the Petit Verdot. 60% new oak. Deep bright cherry. First year for the Petit Verdot. Exotically spiced, black fruit, even a little leathery. Purest phase of ripeness. Then more savoury on the palate. Both earthy and juicy. Very rounded but rich in the mouth, too, good amount of flesh – more flesh than many – filling out the tannins so that they are well hidden. (JH) 13.2%