Croix de Beaucaillou Saint-Julien 2019

Introduction

Croix de Beaucaillou Saint-Julien 2019 is the esteemed second wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, a renowned Second Growth (Deuxième Cru Classé) estate in the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. Often considered a wine of exceptional quality in its own right, Croix de Beaucaillou benefits from the same exceptional terroir and meticulous winemaking as the Grand Vin. The 2019 vintage, highly acclaimed across Bordeaux, offers a powerful yet elegant expression of Saint-Julien, providing a more accessible glimpse into the potential of this iconic estate.

Character Description

The Croix de Beaucaillou Saint-Julien 2019 presents a deep, opaque ruby-purple hue, indicative of its concentration and youthful intensity. It offers an intensely aromatic bouquet of ripe blackcurrant, dark plum, and blackberry, interwoven with sophisticated notes of cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, and subtle hints of violet and sweet baking spice. On the palate, it delivers a full-bodied and impeccably structured texture, with concentrated dark fruit flavors mirroring the nose. It’s supported by firm yet polished tannins that provide excellent grip and age-worthiness, balanced by a vibrant acidity that ensures freshness. The finish is long, persistent, and savory, leaving a lingering impression of dark berries, mineral complexity, and classic Saint-Julien elegance. The overall impression is one of powerful charm, significant depth, and the evolving complexity typical of a high-quality Left Bank Bordeaux.

Perfect Pairings

This excellent Saint-Julien is a superb partner for classic and robust meat dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled beef (such as prime rib or a hearty steak), game meats like venison or wild boar, and rich mushroom preparations. Its firm tannins and savory notes also make it an ideal accompaniment to aged, hard cheeses such as mature Comté or a sharp Cheddar. The wine’s depth and aging potential make it a fantastic choice for a special dinner, a memorable celebration, or for those who appreciate the evolving beauty of a well-crafted Bordeaux. Decanting for at least an hour or two is highly recommended to allow its full expression.

About the Winery

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a legendary Second Growth estate in Saint-Julien, known for producing some of Bordeaux’s most consistently superb wines. Croix de Beaucaillou is its second wine, created from younger vines or specific parcels, and receives the same meticulous care in the vineyard and cellar as the Grand Vin. Under the leadership of the Borie family, the estate is committed to traditional Bordeaux winemaking, emphasizing precision, purity, and the unique expression of their gravelly terroir. The 2019 vintage of Croix de Beaucaillou is a true representation of Ducru-Beaucaillou’s dedication to quality, its consistent performance, and its legacy as a benchmark producer of elegant and age-worthy wines in Saint-Julien.