La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2017 offers an elegant, accessible interpretation of Saint-Julien AOC, guided by the exacting standards of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. As the second wine of this renowned Médoc estate, this cuvée invites enthusiasts to discover the distinction of great Bordeaux terroirs in a 75 cl format suited to selected meals or gourmet gifts. The 2017 vintage composes a precise harmony where the freshness of black fruit converses with a ripe tannic structure and a subtle earthy nuance. It is aimed at those seeking a Bordeaux red that supports the table with presence without overpowering the meal. Between depth and delicacy, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2017 reveals Médoc living: lingering conversations and pairings that become memories.

A Saint-Julien signature to savour

Sourced from the deep gravels of Saint-Julien, this French red finds its balance in a blend of 58 % Merlot, 39 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 3 % Petit Verdot. Merlot provides a supple, generous core, Cabernet Sauvignon forms the wine's backbone, while Petit Verdot signs the blend with a spicy touch. This combination creates a harmonious Bordeaux expression, structured without austerity and fresh without excessive lightness. Each sip delivers a sense of correctness, ideal for the lover wishing to explore a Saint-Julien whose nobility is naturally expressed. The 2017 vintage stands out for its lively character, supporting the body and extending tasting pleasure.

Tasting notes

• Colour : A red robe with garnet to purple hues, deep and luminous, signalling the wine's concentration.
• Nose : A refined bouquet of blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, lifted by spice, undergrowth and dried flowers.
• Palate : A fresh, structured entry, firm yet ripe tannins, balanced acidity and a persistent finish on dark fruit with earthy accents.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2017 between 16 et 18 °C to allow its bouquet to unfold and to preserve the balance of the palate. This temperature highlights the vintage's freshness, the brightness of the dark fruit and the finesse of its spicy nuances. Its structure enables it to accompany a gourmet meal with confidence while retaining an elegant expression at the table. Stored under good cellar conditions, this bottle has a potentiel de garde de 5 à 10 ans. It can therefore be enjoyed now for a special occasion or kept to gain patina and aromatic complexity.

Food pairings

• Red meats : a roasted rib of beef, beef fillet or grilled meat find a bold partner in its structure.
• Lamb : a herb-crusted saddle of lamb or a gently roasted rack pairs well with its dark fruit and spice notes.
• Game : a seasonal game preparation elegantly reveals its undergrowth tones and earthy depth.
• Cheeses : aged cheeses provide a savoury finish that complements the wine's persistence.

Moments to enjoy

• To elevate a seasonal dinner, when generous cooking calls for a full-bodied Bordeaux.
• At a gathering of connoisseurs, to share the distinctive expression of a Saint-Julien second wine.
• As a refined gift, for the enthusiast who appreciates the great signatures of the Médoc.

Specifications

• Name : La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou 2017
• Appellation : Saint-Julien AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2017
• Classification : Second wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
• Grape varieties : Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
• Blend : 58 % Merlot, 39 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 % Petit Verdot
• Soil : Deep gravels
• Origin : France, Bordeaux
• Volume : 75 cl
• Cellaring : 5 à 10 ans
• Serving temperature : 16 à 18 °C
• Allergens : Contains sulphites