Appellations

Grand Puy Ducasse 2017

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Grand Puy Ducasse, which was picked 13 September to 3 October, has a light violet-scented bouquet that you might mistake for a Margaux. There is moderate intensity here, though it does not manifest the complexity of the top tier Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, although it feels a little hard towards the finish where I would like more fruit to develop and fill in the gaps. Tasted three times with consistent notes.

Score: 88 - 90 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2020-2035 Date: 01 May 2018

The 2017 Grand Puy Ducasse is a powerful, dark wine. Black cherry, chocolate, menthol and licorice give the Grand-Puy Ducasse much if its distinctive character. Technical Director Anne Le Naour gave the lots 3-5 days of cold soak followed by 3-4 weeks of time on the skins with minimal pumpovers and punchdowns. Most of the wine (80%) underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel. As always, this is a potent style of Pauillac. Hubert de Bouärd consults. Tasted three times.

Score: 87 - 90 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 May 2018

Deepish crimson with purple rim. Clean-cut blackcurrant fruit on the nose and just a hint of char. Rather soft on the palate, and pretty light on fruit so that the chalky tannins finish slightly dry.

Score: 16 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2024-2032 Date: 27 April 2018

The 2017 Grand-Puy-Ducasse is deep garnet-purple in color with a nose of fresh blueberries and black currants plus touches of underbrush, pencil lead and mocha. The palate is medium-bodied with very firm, chewy tannins and something of a roasted note, finishing just a little bitter.

Score: 85 - 87 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 27 April 2018

Saturated purple in color, the 2017 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse offers a beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon nose of crème de cassis, crushed violets, and graphite. With medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful purity of fruit, ripe tannin, and nicely integrated acidity, it's a classic, elegant Pauillac that has the texture and balance to drink nicely in its youth, yet also evolve for 15+ years. Tasted twice.

Score: 89 - 91 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 23 April 2018

This young red shows a serious concentration of fruit for the vintage with firm and silky tannins and a fresh finish.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 06 April 2018

Crisp-edged, with plum and red currant notes lined with sleek iron and savory nuances. Bright, showing good focus and definition through the finish.

Score: 88 - 91 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 04 April 2018

A firm and well placed expression of Pauillac: classical, with a fine delivery of autumnal fruits and fresh mint leaf, wrapped up in liquorice and smoked sarments. It has the signature of the appellation, although it's a little short on the finish. Earlier drinking than the last few years.

Score: 89 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2024-2036 Date: 01 April 2018