La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2016, Saint-Julien AOC, embodies the distinguished expression of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou's second wine. This Bordeaux cuvée is aimed at enthusiasts seeking the presence of a great Médoc terroir in a wine that is already harmonious, suitable both for a fine meal and for a discerning cellar. The 2016 vintage composes a precise score: the depth of the colour, the wooded and spicy accents, and the persistence on the palate create an elegant tasting profile. Hand-harvested grapes benefit from an ageing of 15 months in oak barrels, with 75 % new oak. This patient approach brings structure and patina that invite time. Served at a seasonal dinner, offered to a connoisseur or chosen to mark an intimate celebration, this 75 cl bottle brings the spirit of Saint-Julien into the art of French entertaining.

Blend and winemaking

La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2016 is made from a blend dominated by 64 % Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 33 % Merlot and 3 % Petit Verdot. This composition combines the structure and drive of Cabernet Sauvignon, the suppleness of Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot that contributes to the overall depth. The grapes are hand-harvested, a key step to carefully preserve the fruit until vinification. The wine is then aged for 15 months in oak barrels, with 75 % new oak. This ageing enhances its aromatic relief and oaky expression without hiding the vintage's identity. The vineyard associated with this cuvée covers 35 hectares, with vines averaging 30 years, a setting that places this Saint-Julien in a Bordeaux tradition of precision and patience.

Tasting notes

• Colour : deep, announcing a wine of presence and visual density.
• Nose : marked by woody and spicy aromas, expressive and delicately shaped by the élevage.
• Palate : fine and balanced, it unfolds a harmonious texture that accompanies the tasting with restraint and continuity.
• Finish : persistent, it extends the spicy tones and oaky signature with serene elegance.

A Saint-Julien for inspired tables

This Bordeaux red naturally finds its place at the heart of a meal where flavours have been chosen with care. Its balanced framework allows it to accompany flavoursome dishes without overshadowing their subtlety. Picture it alongside roasted herb chicken, a beef fillet with a reduced sauce, a rack of lamb or a mushroom dish with autumnal notes. Aged pressed cheeses can also respond well to its character. La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2016 is also a thoughtful bottle for family meals, dinners among enthusiasts or gifts that show attention to taste. Its drinking window, announced from 2020 to 2035, allows you to enjoy it soon or to keep it for moderate cellaring according to your preference.

Food pairings

• Roasted meats : beef fillet, ribeye, veal chop or game prepared with a concentrated jus.
• Full-flavoured poultry : roasted duck, guinea fowl with porcini or free-range poultry served with root vegetables.
• Seasonal dishes : mushroom risotto, grilled vegetables, beef stew or herb-reduced jus.
• Cheeses : aged Comté, sheep’s milk tomme or firm pressed cheeses.

Tasting occasions

La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2016 accompanies moments where every detail counts. Its status as the second wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou makes it particularly appealing for approaching the world of Saint-Julien with accuracy. It suits the enthusiast looking to build a cellar focused on great Bordeaux, as well as the host who wants to give a meal a more memorable dimension. The 75 cl bottle is perfect for sharing at a connoisseurs' table, a birthday, a family celebration or as a carefully chosen gift. Its oak ageing and structured blend give it a presence that asks for no ostentation, only the right moment, generous cooking and the company of those with whom you like to celebrate.

Characteristics

• Name : La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2016
• Producer : Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
• Appellation : Saint-Julien AOC
• Type : red wine, second wine
• Region : Bordeaux, France
• Vintage : 2016
• Blend : Cabernet Sauvignon 64 %, Merlot 33 %, Petit Verdot 3 %
• Harvest : hand-harvested
• Ageing : 15 months in oak barrels, 75 % new oak
• Volume : 75 cl
• Allergens : contains sulphites
• Drinking window : 2020 to 2035