LA CROIX DE BEAUCAILLOU

(a blend of 75% cabernet sauvignon and 25% merlot; pH 3.69; 60% new oak) Very deep purple. Fresh cabernet sauvignon-dominated nose shows floral, cassis and graphite aromas. Also vibrant on entry, with ripe, soft black fruit and mineral flavors that resonate through the smooth finish. This very well-made wine shows much more complexity, depth and freshness than usual; while there's a hint of slightly drying tannins, this looks to be the best Croix ever. Owner Bruno Borie told me that beginning in 2005 this became a wine of terroir too: rather than including grapes from Ducru's youngest or less favorably situated vines (fruit that now goes into private labels), the Croix is made only with the grapes of certain specific parcels. Rating: 87-90 Ian d'Agata, www.vinousmedia.com (May 2010)

Ducru’s second wine, the 2009 Croix de Beaucaillou, is a thrill to taste. Made from a single vineyard, it exhibits a dense purple color along with a creamy texture and loads of creme de cassis fruit intertwined with notions of charcoal, incense, and spice. Round, generous, and opulent, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years. Rating: 88-90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2010)

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, matured in 60% new oak and the rest, one-year old, coming in with 13.35% alcohol and pH of 3.69, this has a lifted, quite minty nose, blackberry, a touch of cedar, taking its time to unfurl and then later, a touch of black olive tapenade. The palate is full-bodied, quite smooth and sensuous, very pure, quite feminine, small black cherries, a touch of plum and a nice citrus-led finish. Almost understated at first, but growing all the time in the glass. Silky smooth finish. Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2010)

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 12 months in barrel, 60% new oak. Alcohol 13.4%. A very different nose to the Lalande-Borie and Petit Caillou. Much more elegance here, reserved and with some good stony fruit. Pure, stylish fruit. Lovely style on the palate, very full and creamy, but with a fine frame around it. Very stylish backbone, a great bolus of tannins in the midpalate and finish, although sitting very well with the rest of the wine. Quite long although with some pepper spice here. Impressive and bold. Rating: 16.5-17.5+ Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2010)

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot. From the centre of the appellation area and all the young vines too. Deep crimson. Lively and fresh on the nose. Sleek, polished, very sweet and frank – black fruits on the palate. 60% new oak. Dries out a bit on the finish. A little exaggerated. Cool and drying on the finish. 2017-2028 Rating: 16.5 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2010)