St Julien

St Julien may not have any first growths like its neighbour Pauillac but it has a raft of high-performing Châteaux in its ranks, second through to fourth growths, including Ducru-Beaucaillou, Léoville Las Cases, Léoville-Poyferré, Léoville-Barton. Gruaud-Larose and Talbot. For many St Julien is quintessential claret, robust, powerful but refined subtle and poised. Gravelly soils dominate, hence wide plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot.