“It has a clear link to Ducru, you get the shot of sexiness, the feeling that you are being invited in to the party.” – Jane Anson

Party on! Ducur style...

Today’s offer of the 2019 Le Petit Ducru de Ducru Beaucaillou Saint Julien is new in name but has a familiar soul…

Le Petit Ducru de Ducru Beaucaillou, once known as Château Lalande-Borie, is a Saint-Julien that bridges the accessibility of a second wine with the pedigree of its prestigious namesake. The 2019 vintage marks the first release under the new name, reflecting both a rebranding and a philosophical shift at the estate.

The wine’s former identity as Lalande-Borie dated back to 1970, when Bruno Borie's father, Jean-Eugène Borie, acquired the vines from Château Lagrange. Though respected, Lalande-Borie was often seen as a separate entity. In 2018, Bruno Borie—owner of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou—opted to rename it “Le Petit Ducru” to emphasize its closer alignment with the flagship estate, both stylistically and in terms of quality. The change signals a commitment to
elevating the wine’s profile and asserting its place within the Ducru family.

While not technically a second wine of Ducru-Beaucaillou (that distinction goes to La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou, which comes from a dedicated plot), Le Petit Ducru shares a striking stylistic resemblance. Its profile echoes the hallmark polish, power and balance of its grand vin
counterpart with a finely-tuned structure, velvety tannins, and a suave, dark-fruited core, underpinned by Saint-Julien finesse.

The 2019 Le Petit Ducru, a blend of 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot, pours a deep, vibrant crimson with a youthful edge. On the nose, it opens with ripe blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry aromas, laced with graphite, mocha, violets, and a hint of toasted spice. The palate is medium to full-bodied, offering a refined texture and expressive,
pure fruit. Smooth tannins and vibrant acidity guide notes of crushed berries, pencil shavings, and a subtle mineral edge. The finish is long, layered, and lifted—clearly influenced by Ducru’s elegance. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak, 30% of which was new.

The press adored the 2019 model...

James Suckling awarded it 94 points, praising it as “such a beautiful red with currants, blackberries and some walnut and stone undertones. It’s medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a long finish. Hints of dried citrus. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two.”

Vinous’ Antonio Galloni gave it 92 points, describing it as “plush, creamy and open-knit, all of which give it considerable immediacy, not to mention tons of charm. Succulent dark cherry,
plum, mocha and licorice lend nuance in this racy, Merlot-based blend.”

Jeb Dunnuck rated it 91 points, calling it “a charming, elegant, layered 2019” and noting its “classic Saint-Julien elegance and purity in its darker currant and cherry fruits as well as notes of tobacco, violets, and lead pencil. With medium-bodied richness on the palate, it has wonderful tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, and outstanding length.”

The 2019 Le Petit Ducru isn't just a name change—it's a declaration of identity. By rebranding Lalande-Borie under the Ducru-Beaucaillou umbrella, the Borie family has brought clarity and continuity to a wine that always aspired toward elegance. This vintage offers all the grace of Saint-Julien with a hint of the Grand Vin's pedigree—at a fraction the price. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Ducru or discovering this lineage for the first time, Le Petit Ducru is more than petit in character—all at the nation’s best price!

Le Petit Ducru de Ducru Beaucaillou Saint Julien 2019

94 Points! Such a beautiful red with currants, blackberries and some walnut and stone undertones. It’s medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a long finish. Hints of dried citrus. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two. - JamesSuckling.com