Appellations

Grand Puy Ducasse 2016

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2016 Grand-Puy-Ducasse is definitely one of the best in recent years. The attractive bouquet features blackberry, bilberry, light floral notes and a subtle marine scent. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe black fruit laced with tar and tobacco. Quite harmonious, if not complex, and reassuringly long on the tertiary finish. Enjoy this well-crafted Pauillac over the next 15 to 20 years.

Score: 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2042 Date: 01 January 2019

The 2016 Grand-Puy-Ducasse follows up the 2015 with a 2016 that is equally good, marking--one hopes--a change in direction for this Pauillac estate that frustratingly under-performed in the past. This has a very attractive bouquet with pure blackberry and raspberry coulis aromas, just that hint of pencil lead leading you towards Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, plenty of sappy black fruit and a hint of tar and graphite towards the persistent finish. This is an excellent "G.P.D" that should give a couple decades of drinking pleasure.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2022-2045 Date: 28 April 2017

The 2016 Grand Puy Ducasse shows far better today than it did en primeur. Bold, racy and quite giving, the 2016 is a very pretty wine. Sweet red cherry, plum, spice, mocha and blood orange are all laced together. This is a decidedly racy, exotic style, and yet there is so much allure to the 2016 that it will be nearly impossible to resist young.

Score: 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2021-2036 Date: 01 January 2019

The 2016 Grand Puy Ducasse is bold, racy and juicy. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, espresso, licorice and sweet oak give the wine its unctuous, flamboyant personality. Forward and exotic as it is, the Grand Puy Ducasse is nevertheless very nicely done. Readers should expect an opulent Pauillac, the wine's midweight structure notwithstanding. Tasted two times.

Score: 87 - 90 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 25 April 2017

A big vintage of Grand-Puy Ducasse, continuing the ambition shown over recent vintages. The coffee bean aromatics are perfectly judged to give an appealing hint of oak, alongside cedar notes and dark cassis fruits. There is an austerity to the opening beats of the wine, and the tannins make their presence felt right the way through. Overall this is excellent. It is unusual to have such good yields, close to 50hl/ha, with equally good quality. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

Score: 93 Decanter, - Maturity: 2027-2040 Date: 20 April 2017

Inky colour with big and bold blackcurrant and spice aromas, quite meaty. A thick and rich core of dark fruits, with plenty of tannic backbone.

Score: 91 - 93 Albany Vintners, - Date: 19 April 2017

Sappy, lively nose. Straightforward Pauillac character. No transports of delight but a very solid performance. Strongly Cabernet. (16.5+)

Score: 16 - 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2026-2040 Date: 18 April 2017

The warm plum, blackberry and black currant preserve flavors have solid depth, picking up dark earth and warm tobacco notes along the way. Offers a broad, fleshy finish.

Score: 89 - 92 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 10 April 2017

A linear and tight red with blueberries, currants and walnuts. Medium to full body, chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. All there. Best wine from here in quite some time.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 04 April 2017