Saint-Julien
Saint-Julien (pronounced san-jolee-ehn)has perhaps the highest overall standard of quality and consistency of all the Left Bank communes. Its proximity to the Gironde River provides exceptional drainage for the soil. The wines of Saint-Julien are beautifully balanced, with a great richness, depth of color, and elegance. Cabernet Sauvignon prevails, with Merlot and Cabernet Franc used for blending. Although it contains no First Growths, the numerous top Classified Growths produce some of the finest wines of Bordeaux. This across the board quality makes Saint-Julien a favorite among savvy consumers.
Grape Varieties: Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Taste Characteristics: Style – Elegant to highly concentrated, medium to full-bodied. Classic Bordeaux, richly textured with dark fruits, cedar and well balanced.
Key Facts: Located just south of Pauillac on the Left Bank. The smallest and many feel the most underrated of Bordeaux’s communes. Led by the “Super Second” Growths Château Léoville Las Cases, Château Léoville Barton and Château Ducru Beaucaillou, with many other outstanding classified growths and Cru Bourgeois.
Acres Under Vine: 2,175
Classified Growths: 11 Grand Cru Classé Estates
Key Properties: Ducru-Beaucaillou, Gruaud-Larose, Léoville-Barton, Léoville-Las-Cases, Léoville-Poyferre, Langoa-Barton, Branaire-Ducru, Lagrange, Talbot, Gloria
Principal Soil Types: Consists of extremely fine gravel, especially for the great vineyards adjacent to the river. Farther inland, there is considerable gravel mixed with clay.
