Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.5

1990 vintage. Top shoulder fill. Nearly completely saturated cork. Durand used to open. Not decanted. Tasted 2 hours after opening. Light-medium body. WOTD just barely over the 1990 Château Margaux. More of a LMHB than Margaux fan so we'll call it a draw. Beautiful star anise nose and flavor component evident. Based on this sample, this could easily roll another 5-6 years before downshifting. 11.21.25. — 4 days ago

Xista

9.1

Light tannin - tobacco leather - dark ruby red — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Merlot dominates this blend but there is some Cabernet Sauvignon and some Cabernet Franc blended in. Medium ruby color with a slight clear meniscus. Fruit forward aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, dark plum, baking spices and cedar. Medium-plus finish. Medium body and very silky tannins. Well balanced/layered acidity and a very silky texture. A bit more austere than a traditional Medoc red blend. At peak. — 2 months ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

Served blind, called ‘96 Paulliac! It’s a left bank classic in 1996, structured, earthy and peppery with an elegant palate and fine grained tannins. Went perfectly with aged Texas Antelope! — 2 days ago

Mark S.

9.0

Good Château Canon Croix Canon Saint Emilion 18 @8800, Pieroth, 251117 — 9 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou – 2021
AOC Saint-Julien – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
The second wine of the famed 2nd Growth Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, crafted under the stewardship of the Borie family. The 2021 vintage carries the estate’s signature terroir of deep gravel soils (“beaux cailloux” meaning “beautiful stones”), producing wines with elegance, depth, and longevity. Typical blend leans on Cabernet Sauvignon 64%, Merlot 32% and Petit Verdot 4% for a compelling profile.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, and dark plum layered with graphite, tobacco, and cedar. Secondary notes of violets, cocoa powder, and subtle spice add depth and intrigue.

Mouthfeel
Firm tannic backbone with a silky texture emerging mid-palate. Medium to full-bodied, offering precision and finesse over sheer power. Fresh acidity frames the fruit, finishing long with mineral-driven elegance.

Food Pairings
Ribeye steak, venison, or duck confit, gourmet burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, or truffle pizza. Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or sharp Cheddar.

Verdict
A true Saint-Julien expression, structured yet polished, approachable in youth but built to evolve. This second wine offers a taste of Ducru’s pedigree without the grand vin price tag.

Did You Know?
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou earned its name from the large “beautiful stones” (cailloux) that dominate the vineyard’s gravel soils, perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in heat-retentive terroir.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: For lovers of Left Bank Bordeaux, this is a perfect introduction to Ducru’s magic, refined, powerful, and unmistakably Saint-Julien at a very affordable price point. Cheers! — a month ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.1

Cute label. Color is pretty. Smells of the river rocks and berry compote. Hint of smoke. Flavors are juicy and complex. Plenty of minerals. Balance is great. Floral and fresh. — 25 days ago

romo

9.2

Put these down and watch the angry tannin melt away. Lighter-bodied right banker. — 25 days ago

Galen Hasler

9.2

Everything — a month ago

Ainsley

9.2

Luscious tannins, smooth body. Now was the time to drink the 2015 vintage….it couldn’t wait any longer. Intense black fruit, plum and spice on the palette. A delicious BC Bordeaux blend. Reminiscent of a Napa Cab. — 2 months ago