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La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou Saint Julien Cuvee Colbert 2017 750ml
OUT OF STOCK
Sample image only.Please see Item description for product Information. When ordering, the item shipped will match the product listing if there are any discrepancies. Do not order solely on the label if you feel it does not match product description.
SKU 1003971
$61.50/bottle
Out of stock
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The 2017 Cuvée Colbert is a 6,000 bottle production that I have never heard of until it magically appeared at one of my tastings in Bordeaux. It differs from the regular La Croix de Beaucaillou in terms of ageing: matured in a foudres made from ancient oak trees specially sourced from a cooperage. “Colbert” was in fact King Louis XIV’s Minister of Finance who administered the planting of vast tracts of France with oak trees, thus sowing the seeds, literally, for the country’s barrel industry. It debuted with the 2013 vintage. It has a lovely bouquet with well defined raspberry, wild strawberry, cedar and camphor aromas, the latter becoming stronger with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very gentle and caressing, to the point where it disguises the power and depth on the finish. This is so seductive that you could drink this now, especially due to the seamless finish. Superb. [This cuvée is distributed exclusively by the Duclot négociant.]
There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world's finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six 'official' Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act – the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.
France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]
Bordeaux: The Pinnacle of Terroir Expression In the illustrious realm of wine, Bordeaux stands as a beacon of excellence, where history, tradition, and terroir converge to create some of the world’s most iconic wines. Bordeaux’s rich mosaic of vineyards is characterized by the left bank, right bank, and the sweet symphony of Sauternes. Each of […]
Saint-Julien, a revered appellation in Bordeaux's Left Bank, epitomizes the finesse and elegance of red Bordeaux wines. Nestled between Pauillac and Margaux, Saint-Julien boasts a remarkable concentration of classified growths, showcasing wines that marry power with refinement. What makes Saint-Julien unique is its well-balanced terroir—gravelly soils, proximity to the Gironde estuary, and a temperate maritime climate. These factors nurture the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, resulting in wines celebrated for their structured tannins, expressive aromatics, and age-worthiness.
Saint-Julien's notable châteaux, such as Léoville-Las Cases and Ducru-Beaucaillou, exemplify the region's commitment to quality. The wines exhibit a harmonious blend of dark fruits, cedar, and subtle minerality. Exploring Saint-Julien unveils the essence of Bordeaux winemaking, where tradition and innovation converge to produce wines of timeless allure and sophistication.
VM92pts
Vinous Media
The 2017 Cuvée Colbert is a 6,000 bottle production that I have never heard of until it magically appeared at one of my tastings in Bordeaux. It differs from the regular La Croix de Beaucaillou in terms of ageing: matured in a foudres made from ancient oak trees specially sourced from a cooperage. "Colbert" was in fact King Louis XIV's Minister of Finance who administered the planting of vast tracts of France with oak trees, thus sowing the seeds, literally, for the country's barrel industry. It debuted with the 2013 vintage. It has a lovely bouquet with well defined raspberry, wild strawberry, cedar and camphor aromas, the latter becoming stronger with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, very gentle and caressing, to the point where it disguises the power and depth on the finish. This is so seductive that you could drink this now, especially due to the seamless finish. Superb. [This cuvée is distributed exclusively by the Duclot négociant.]
WA91pts
Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou Cuvée Colbert springs from the glass with baked blackberries, warm plums, redcurrant jelly and cassis notes plus hints of violets, wild sage and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black and red fruits, framed by a grainy texture and delivering a long, refreshing finish. Total aging time was 18 months in French oak barrels, 60% of which were new. The final blend is 58% Merlot, 39% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot.
Winery Notes
The wines of La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou come from the vineyard of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. This exceptional Médoc terroir is situated between the Gironde River to the east, the centre and the west of the Saint-Julien appellation. The estate owes its name to its “beautiful pebbles” ("beaux cailloux", in French) which, because of their high quartz content, make for soils that are poor in plant nutrients.
It is precisely this “agrological” paucity, as the late Bordeaux professor and geographer, René Pijassou, described it, that makes them so well-suited to the production of fine wine. In the east, the plots are planted along the rolling Médoc ridges, just above the estuary, while those at the epicentre benefit from a microclimate nurtured by the little La Mouline stream that meanders through the middle of the appellation from west to east before disappearing into the Gironde.
