Bettane & Desseauve (2023) 92 - 93 / 100

Puissant et harmonieux, saint-julien dans le corps et dans l'esprit, il faudra peut-être un peu plus de temps pour retrouver la finesse aromatique si merveilleuse du même vin dans le millésime 2020.

Decanter (2023) 94 / 100

Bramble tones; fragrant and rich blackberry notes on the nose. A dark soul with depth and intensity, this has such richness and power, but restraint also. Concentrated with a directness and focus that drives it from start to finish aided by a linear vein of salinity, liquorice and blackcurrant. Tannins are robust and grippy, giving an impressive structure that is imposing in the mouth but retains a suave and endearing quality. Such charm and potential.

James Suckling (2023) 94 - 95 / 100

A chewy and polished red with blackberry and blueberry character. Full to medium body. Fine and tensioned. Excellent finish. Salty. Blackcurrants at the end.

Jancis Robinson (2023) 16 / 20

Restrained aromatically wich just a touch of vanilla oak. Bright, fresh and smooth on the palate with a saline note on the finish. Bit of chew at the end. Potential but needs to settle.

Jeb Dunnuck (2023) 93 - 95 / 100

Its vivid purple hue is followed by stunning aromatics of cassis, blueberries, tobacco, graphite, and chalky minerality. Full-bodied on the palate, it brings plenty of concentration and structure vet is balanced and has a great mid-palate and outstanding length. If there was a ranking for the top second wines in Bordeaux, this would be in the top handful of releases.

Jeff Leve (2023) 94 / 100

Quite floral in nature, you also find mint, cassis, and tobacco leaf. The palate is where the wine shines with its sweet, ripe, plums, black cherries, cocoa, soft tannins and polished, sense of refinement in the mid palate and in the finish. Drink from 2025-2040.

Le Point (2023) 16 / 20 Markus del Monego (2023) 94 / 100

Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core.Intense nose with aroma reminiscent of dried ink, graphite and discreet spiciness, wild blueberries, hints of toasted gingerbread. On the palate well structured with elegance and freshness, ripe tannins, juicy fruit quoting the nose, elegant spiciness and almost salty minerality. Very convincing length. A great and classy wine.

Parker (2023) 90 - 92 / 100

The 2022 La Croix de Beaucaillou opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cigar wrapper and fresh mint, framed by creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a deep core of fruit framed by chunky tannins.

Vinous (A. Galloni) (2023) 92 - 94 / 100

The 2022 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is super-expressive. The aromatics and tannin show strong Cabernet Sauvignon-inflections, but the blend actually favors Merlot in this vintage, as yields in the Cabernet were on the low side. This serious, potent Saint-Julien is going to need a bit of time to fully come together, but it is certainly impressive.

Vinous (N. Martin) (2023) 93 - 95 / 100

It has a delineated bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit. The briary and smoky aromas feel more understated compared to its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and seamlessly integrated oak that lends a silky texture. Very harmonious with an insistent grip, it lacquers the mouth long after it has departed. That Pauillac tincture is displayed and defines its precise finish. Excellent, but be warned that the oak will require several years to assimilate fully. Not so far behind the Grand Vin because of the growing season.

Yves Beck (2023) 93 - 94 / 100

Complexe, le bouquet de La Croix de Ducru-Beaucaillou révèle des parfums de mûres, de myrtilles et de réglisse complétés par des nuances d’épices douces. Doté de tannins précis et porteurs, le vin convainc par son harmonie et sa persistance. Une bien belle performance ! 2027-2040

Appellation	Saint-Julien
Classement	2nd vin
Superficie	75 ha
Encépagement	60% de Cabernet Sauvignon - 35% de Merlot - 5% de Petit-Verdot.
Sols et sous-sol	Graves garonnaises avec une forte présence argileuse
Elevage	En barriques neuves de 20 à 40%.