Le Petit Ducru - Saint-Julien 2020

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byWilliam Kelleythe4/6/2023

The 2020 Le Petit Ducru offers up aromas of sweet plums, cassis, raw cocoa, pencil shavings and creamy new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/30/2023

What can be thought of as the third wine of the château, the 2020 Le Petit Ducru De Ducru-Beaucaillou is mostly Merlot yet includes 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. It's a legit wine and has classic aromatics of cassis, darker berries, violets, and a kiss of minerality to go with a medium to full-bodied style on the palate. Ripe, concentrated, and balanced, this terrific wine can be enjoyed any time over the coming 10-12 years (and I have no doubt it will keep even longer).

Vinous

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe6/25/2021

The 2020 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru-Beaucaillou, matured in 30% new oak for 12 months, is delineated on the nose with blackberry, wild hedgerow and a discrete marine/estuarine influence. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and well judged acidity. It displays some "rondeur" towards the finish that suggests it will drink well after just a couple of years, yet there is certainly the substance to guarantee it will age well in the cellar, if you are that way inclined.

Le Figaro

88-90 / 100

the6/2/2021

Un entêtant bouquet de mocha, goudronné, aux notes épicées de tabac et de pruneau. Une bouche sombre et concentrée aux notes de mocha, qui restent longtemps en mémoire.

Jeb DUNNUCK

90-92 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/28/2021

A more Merlot-dominated wine from a handful of vineyards in Saint-Julien, the 2020 Le Petit Ducru De Ducru-Beaucaillou checks in as 78% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the remaining 4% Petit Verdot. Brought up in 30% new French oak, it has classic Saint-Julien cassis and darker berry fruits as well as beautiful tobacco, earth, and chocolate nuances, with classy background oak. It brings another level of purity, precision, and length and is a beautiful, classic Saint-Julien. While it's mostly Merlot, it has a very classic Saint-Julien style. It's billed as the third wine of the domaine, but it matches plenty of the estate's second wines.

Decanter.com

92 / 100

byJane Ansonthe5/25/2021

The wine formerly known as Lalande-Borie. It has a supple texture right off the bat, just enough pencil lead, mocha, blackberries and savoury bilberry fruits to show a St-Julien signature. It has the dominant tannins of the vintage, but they are softened, this is plush through the mid palate with clear tightening on the finish. 30% new oak 3.68pH. A yield of 25hl/ha. Second vintage under this name and it remains a compelling choice in the appellation.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/21/2021

Tobacco, spice and red fruits come forward easily. Medium-bodied, soft, supple, fresh and forward define this wine. This charmer is already a pleasure to drink, you can think of it as a baby Ducru Beaucaillou, as it is essentially the third wine of Ducru. 90-92

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe5/20/2021

Part of the Ducru-Beaucaillou stable, the 2020 Le Petit Ducru is a blend of 78% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. It has an alcohol of 13.75% and the pH is 3.74. It is set to age for 12 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out of the glass with open-knit scents of ripe black plums, black cherries and mulberries, plus suggestions of cinnamon toast, potpourri and dried Provence herbs. The medium-bodied palate delivers plenty of juicy black fruits and a soft texture with unobtrusive acidity and a savory finish.

Anthocyanes

90-92 / 100

byYohan Castaingthe5/11/2021

Cerise noire, cassis et mure avec des notes florales très élégantes. Petite pointe boisée très agréable. Juteux, charnu, des notes de fruits noirs et de fleurs avec une touche de graphite. Joufflu et frais. L'impression de croquer du raisin. Sur l'allonge et la gourmandise.

Jamessuckling.com

93-94 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/25/2021

A linear, creamy-textured red with blackcurrant, light walnut and a hint of chocolate. Medium-bodied with an attractive center palate and a round finish. 78% merlot and 18% cabernet, the rest petit verdot.