2020 Le Petit Ducru

The wine formerly known as Lalande-Borie. It has a supple texture right off the bat, just enough pencil lead, mocha, blackberries and savoury bilberry fruits to show a St-Julien signature. It has the dominant tannins of the vintage, but they are softened, this is plush through the mid palate with clear tightening on the finish. 30% new oak 3.68pH. A yield of 25hl/ha. Second vintage under this name and it remains a compelling choice in the appellation. Jane Anson Decanter 92 Points

Presentation video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll8nm8JM0W0 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. There is, of course, a family resemblance, a wonderful complicity between the three nectars. They know what they have in common: a rigorous technical process, drastic selection, demanding winemaking. Here, barrel ageing lasts for 12 months with one-third new oak. A Cabernet-Merlot blend and depending on the vintage, sometimes with a hint of Petit Verdot, varietal that we know to be a skillful sculptor. A nod also to the history of the estate, specifically to one of the former owners, Bertrand Ducru (1770-1829), a brilliant and worldly merchant from the Bearn region of France, situated along the flanks of the western Pyrenees mountains. Powerful and well established, he bought the property in 1797 (16 Vendémiaire, year 6) and added his surname to that of the site, which then became “Ducru-Beaucaillou”. He hired the architect, Paul Abadie, graduate of the acclaimed Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Paris, to enhance the elegant Directory-period chartreuse. But above all, he invested heavily in the vineyards and the cellar. The wines quickly rose to the summit of the appellation and Ducru-Beaucaillou obtained unanimous recognition from the Place de Bordeaux, which later consecrated it with a place in the 1855 classification. LE PETIT DUCRU is a wine of balance and harmony. An elixir of youth. It is there, alive and well, a rendezvous with pleasure. Accessible from its earliest youth, uninhibited in its Chaplinesque antics. It will make for a happy dining companion in restaurants. It will make for a perfect marriage with poultry where it will bow down before its crispy, brown skin and envelop the steaming flesh with its tannins. LE PETIT DUCRU tastes of Sundays. Above all, it tastes of friendship. Le Petit Ducru 2020 will age for twelve months in Bordeaux barrels, 30% in new oak and the balance in one-year old barrels (twelve months). Certified French oak, naturally matured outdoors for a guaranteed minimum of three years. Regular topping-up during the first six months, racking every two or three months with a total of four rackings. Sterile bottling under inert oenological gas will take place in June/July 2022. Closed with 49 mm natural cork. Tasting notes by their cellar master (March 2021) Deep purple colour with intense aromas of red and black fruits, crushed violets and a touch of mocha. The palate has generous ripe fruits and a plush, velvety texture supported by vibrant acidity, with fruits and spices that linger on the finish. Extreme refinement.