Region: France, Bordeaux, Saint Julien

Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), Merlot (35%) & Petit Verdot (3%)

Background: Bruno Borie explained that St Julien had a little less rain than its neighbours, so the resulting berries are very small, up to 15% below average. This effect, combined with a later harvest, has maximised ripeness, creating Bruno’s richest ever vintage for tannins and sugars – yet this is brilliantly supple and full of cedar, spice and pepper notes.

Tasting notes: Powerful, silky, and very aromatic, La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou beguiles with its bouquet, its balance, its remarkable finesse and its lengthy finish.

Review: 92/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, March 2021: "The 2018 La Croix de Beaucaillou is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, aged 12 months in two-third new barriques. It has a pH of 3.75, 15% alcohol and an IPT (total polyphenol index) of 96. Deep garnet-purple coloured, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with vibrant notes of crushed blueberries, baked plums and blackcurrant cordial with hints of bouquet garni, underbrush, clove oil and cast-iron pan. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing earthy. Not a second wine as such, because it comes from a dedicated part of the vineyard, the blocks for La Croix de Beaucaillou are generally located on the south bank of the La Mouline steam."