St Julien

St Julien is the smallest of the "Big Four" Médoc communes. Although without any First Growths, St Julien is recognised to be the most consistent of the main communes, with several châteaux turning out impressive wines year after year.  

St Julien itself is much more of a village than Pauillac and almost all of the notable properties lie to its south.  Its most northerly château is Ch. Léoville-Las-Cases, whose vineyards actually adjoin those of Latour in Pauillac but to the south suitable vineyard land gives way to arable farming and livestock until the Margaux appellation is reached.  

The soil is gravelly and finer than Pauillac, without the iron content which gives Pauillac its stature. The homogeneous soils in the vineyards (which extend over a relatively small area of just over 700 hectares) give the commune a unfied character

The wines can be assessed as much by texture as flavour and there is a sleek wholesome character to the best. Elegance, harmony and perfect balance and weight with hints of cassis and cedar are what epitomise classic St Juliens. At their very best they combine Margaux elegance and refinement with Pauillac power and substance. 

Ch. Léoville-Las-Cases produces arguably the most sought-after St Julien and in any re-assement of the 1855 Classification it would almost certainly warrant being elevated to first growth status.

Recommended Châteaux
Ch. Léoville-Las-Cases, Ch.Léoville-Barton, Ch Léoville-Poyferré, Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou, Ch Langoa-Barton, Ch Gruaud-Larose, Ch. Branaire-Ducru, Ch. Beychevelle