La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2024

Characteristics and Tasting Tips of the La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2024 from Château Ducru-Beaucaillou

Tasting

Nose
Expressive and aromatic, the nose reveals intense aromas of dark fruits with dominant notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry. These fruity fragrances are accompanied by spicy nuances of licorice and clove, elevated by vanilla touches imparted by the aging.

Palate
On the palate, the wine reveals a slender and linear profile, supported by delicate tannins. The lively acidity brings freshness and tension, underpinning a concentrated fruit that extends into a long finish. The persistence of dark fruits is enriched by mineral nuances characteristic of the terroir.

An expressive Saint-Julien wine with refined tannins

The Estate
Classified as a Second Growth (2ème Cru Classé) in 1855, the Château Ducru-Beaucaillou in Saint-Julien is an emblematic Bordeaux estate. Acquired by Bertrand Ducru at the end of the 18th century, the estate has been owned by the Borie family since 1941. This vineyard is renowned for its characteristic pebble terroir that gave it its name ("beaucaillou" meaning "beautiful pebbles"). Nicknamed the "super second", Ducru-Beaucaillou rivals the First Growths thanks to its exceptional microclimate overlooking the Gironde estuary.

The Vineyard
The vineyard of La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou benefits from the exceptional terroir of Saint-Julien, characterized by its gravelly Garonnaise soils. This particular geological composition, combined with the proximity of the Gironde estuary, gives the wines their elegant structure and remarkable aging potential.

The Vintage
The 2024 vintage began with a mild and wet winter, causing an early budbreak on March 25. The rainy spring exerted strong downy mildew pressure, while flowering took place around June 6 under cool conditions. The hot and dry summer, marked by significant temperature fluctuations and water stress, promoted concentration. Veraison began around July 20, punctuated by two short heatwaves. Cool nights intensified color and aromas, allowing moderate sugar accumulation while preserving high acidity. September brought 136 mm of rain, creating botrytis pressure, before dry weather returned in late September to early October. This climatic alternation allowed for precise, parcel-by-parcel harvesting from September 23 to October 8, yielding grapes of great purity with tension and aging potential.

Winemaking and Aging
Aged for 12 months.

Blend
65% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Petit Verdot.