La Croix Ducru Beaucaillou, St Julien,

The 2020 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is composed of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a little swirling to bring out notes of plum preserves, warm cassis, and underbrush with touches of clove oil, cedar chest, and black olives. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock full of juicy black fruits, supported by velvety tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and spicy.

The 2020 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou, matured in 60% new oak for an expected 12 months, is pleasantly reduced on the nose, opening up in the glass with intense black fruit laced with black olive and subtle estuarine scents. The palate is medium-bodied with an appealing powdery texture. A structured Saint-Julien with tangible backbone and grip on the finish. Yet, there is exquisite balance and impressive salinity on the aftertaste. Excellent.