2017 La Croix De Beaucaillou

93 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine

A clear step up in richness, polish and texture. 80% new oak at this point. In these kind of vintages though, it is noteworthy that you have to climb this high to really be assured of getting a bottle that impresses and that lives up to the expectations of the appellation and château. Lovely damson fruits here. Will be ready to drink earlier than the monumental 2016, but you are getting a slick, well defined wine with plenty of great fruit. There is an austerity at this point, in that you feel the tannins closing in towards the finish, but this is the one I would happily recommend.

91 POINTS

Jane Anson - Decanter Magazine

The Merlot here is grown on sandy-gravel soils and brings both freshness and structure. There's good balance, plush autumnal berry fruits and lovely spice, supported by well placed, delicate tannins. It's a clear Médoc twist on the varietal, even though this is a little lusher and more approachable than in recent years where Cabernet Sauvignon has been higher in the blend - last year it was at 66%, but vintage conditions in 2017 affected some of the crop. It's a little different in expression from 2016, but is an extremely high quality, great drinking wine. 3.74pH. IPT 75.

90 POINTS

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW - Wine Advocate

This is not a second wine per se, as it consistently comes from a separate vineyard in Saint-Julien. The blend is usually around 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, but this year it has a high percentage of Merlot: 58%, with 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Croix de Beaucaillou has quite a spicy nose sporting cloves, anise, black pepper and fenugreek with a core of crushed blackberries and black currants plus wafts of underbrush and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins and great freshness supporting the vivacious fruit, finishing long and earthy.