LA CROIX DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU 2019

(Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France) $50

La Croix is the “second wine” of Ducru-Beaucaillou, one of the top wines of Saint-Julien. The second wine of an estate is often made by the same winemaker with the same attention to detail as the estate’s grand vin, but is made from younger vines, or specific lots that didn’t quite make it into the grand vin. But here’s the best part: the second wine of a top Bordeaux costs a fraction of the estate’s grand vin. So if you don’t want to spring for Château Ducru-Beaucaillou ($350), La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou (about $50) is a perfect choice. The wine itself is lovely. A slow climb of rich flavor, culminating in a burst of cassis. Incredible length and precision. Plus lots of structure, so you can drink the wine now, or lay it away for a few years, because the wine is built to last. Grill some lamb chops, pour La Croix into a decanter to open it up a bit, and your evening has just gotten very special.

93 points KM

Available at InternetWines.com