2017 Croix de Beaucaillou

品飲筆記：散發黑醋栗、藍莓與成熟李子的深色果香，伴隨些許石墨、雪松與可可的氣息。入口緊實有力，果味濃郁卻不厚重，鮮明的酸度與細緻但結實的單寧塑造了清晰的骨架，餘韻帶有甘草與香料的回味。
酒莊背景：這款為寶嘉龍（Ducru-Beaucaillou）二號酒，出自布魯諾．博里家族經營的酒莊，風格追求優雅與礦物感，較正牌更快入杯但保有產區特質。
釀造工藝：在法國橡木桶中熟成約12個月（其中一部分為新桶），以平衡萃取和柔化單寧為主，瓶塞封瓶保存傳統風味。酒精適中，橡木與果香融合細緻。
葡萄園與風土：來自聖朱利安的礫石壤土，鄰近河流的海洋影響帶來溫差，有助果實累積風味同時保留鮮酸。整體口感偏向中至偏重，質地綿密且有層次，醒開後更顯柔順。

Tasting note: Dark, focused aromatics of black-currant, blueberry and plum open onto a core of graphite, cedar and a hint of cocoa. The palate is structured and layered — firm, ripe fruit framed by fresh acidity and persistent, fine-grained tannins that give the wine good grip and length.
Producer notes: La Croix de Beaucaillou is the second wine from the Ducru-Beaucaillou estate, produced under the stewardship of the Bruno Borie family. It aims to deliver the estate’s signature precision and mineral drive in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style.
Winemaking notes: Fermented and matured in French oak (approximately 12 months, with a significant portion in new barrels), this cuvée is made for balanced extraction and careful élevage. Bottled under natural cork, the wine shows polished oak integration and a medium-plus alcohol profile.
Vineyard notes: Sourced from Saint-Julien parcels on classic Médoc gravel soils, the fruit benefits from maritime influence and well-draining terroirs that promote balanced ripeness and vivid aromatics. The result is a savory, elegantly textured wine that bridges immediate pleasure and medium-term cellaring.

Specification

• Alcohol %: 13.5 - 14%
• Decant Time: 60-90 minutes
• Taste: black-currant, cassis, blueberry, plum, graphite, licorice, cocoa, cedar, dried flowers, herbal/mineral, fresh acidity, dense/structured tannins, long finish
• Food Matching: Ribeye steak (on the bone), Basque bone-in sirloin, Roast lamb leg and shoulder, Roasted or grilled venison, Aged cheddar or hard blue cheeses, Mushroom ragout or earthy dishes

Winery

Château Ducru-Beaucaillou is a historic Saint-Julien estate renowned for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. Under the Borie family ownership the property combines classical Médoc gravel vineyards with meticulous winemaking, aiming for balance between ripe fruit, precision and longevity. La Croix de Beaucaillou stands as the maison’s second label, designed to reflect estate character in a more approachable package.