Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou - La Croix de Beaucaillou 2017

JEB DUNNUCK: "Coming mostly from a single parcel in the northern part of the estate, the 2017 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou is a final blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot. It has a great nose of creme de cassis, crushed rock, lead pencil, and dried herbs. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant wine that has silky tannins, a great mid-palate, and bright acidity. Give bottles 4-6 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Intense and pure aromas of blueberries and cassis here,. The palate has a smooth, fine-edged core of tannin and a good build of rich fruit flavor. Some graphite to the black fruit. A blend of 58% merlot, 39% cabernet sauvignon and 3% petit verdot. Second wine of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. Drink or hold."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Dried flowers, cocoa, plums, cherry and cassis create a wine that's fruity and fresh, sweet and round and light on its feet. The finish of licorice and ripe, red berries is easy to like and already delicious to drink. From a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.68% alcohol and is aging in 60% new, French oak barrels."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Inviting, featuring crushed loganberry and plum fruit flavors, mixed with warm anise and black tea notes. A solid graphite spine runs through the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2021 through 2030. 10,000 cases made."