Le Petite Ducru de Ducru Beaucaillou Saint Julien 2021
This newcomer is a selection derived from our St-Julien vineyards. An affectionate and informative name that already tells wine lovers something about its positioning and its ambitions. Le Petit Ducru portends an introduction to the Borie signature, a courteous invitation to approach the qualities of its elders, Ducru-Beaucaillou and La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou; from its complexity to its structure, by way of its balance and its elegance. Blend 80% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a well-regarded wine estate in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux's Haut-Médoc wine region, on the so-called "left bank" of the Gironde estuary. The estate and its eponymous grand vin (the estate's principle wine) was rated a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
It is often described as the quintessential Saint-Julien – deeply colored and powerfully ripe, yet balanced and harmonious. The grand vin usually needs 10 years of aging and can last for decades. A second wine, Croix de Beaucaillou, is also produced from the Ducru vineyard.
Critical Acclaim
93 Wine Enthusiast
There is a high percentage of Merlot in this blend, giving softness with ripe blackberry fruits and a succulent character. The wine is pure black fruits and fresh acidity.
92 Vinous
The 2021 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou, the estate's Merlot-based blend, is soft, fruity and charming, with notes of dark cherry, spice, leather, tobacco, mocha and dried herbs. Best of all, the Petit Ducru will drink well with minimal cellaring. Much of the Merlot is from vineyards that often go into the Grand Vin.
92 James Suckling
Perfumed already with currants, blueberries, violets, bark and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with fine, lightly powdery tannins. Very fresh. Cool blue fruit. 80% merlot, 12% cabernet sauvignon and 8% petit verdot.
91 Jeb Dunnuck
The deeply hued 2021 Le Petit Ducru De Ducru-Beaucaillou (which got some choice lots of Merlot in 2021) is classy stuff, with red and black currants, sappy flowers, medium-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannins, and a supple, layered, elegant profile that has plenty to love.
90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Le Petit Ducru mostly derives from 25 hectares in Saint-Julien purchased by Jean-Eugène Borie in 1972 and formerly known as Lalande-Borie. Exhibiting aromas of cherries, cassis and petals, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and seamless, with a polished, charming profile and an impressively penetrating finish.