2023 Le Petit Ducru (St-Julien)

Plush and fragrant opening to Le Petit Ducru in this vintage, the deep black pepper, capsicum and turmeric spice that is a signature of the vintage, with gorgeous fresh slate and graphite set against cassis fruits. 30% new oak for ageing. 90 points

The 2023 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou is packed with blackberry, chocolate, licorice, cloves and menthol. A wine of substance and textural richness, Le Petit Ducru shows the more opulent side of a year marked with late-season heat, also revealing some stylistic choices by way of its bombastic personality. This Saint-Julien is certainly not shy. 89-91 points

The 2023 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru Beaucaillou has a seductive bouquet with pure red fruit, incense and light cedar scents, just a slight minty element emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit and fine structure. There’s a dash of black pepper and more fruit concentration on the finish than the Madame de Beaucaillou. Very promising. 90-92 points