Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 2023

Astonishingly dark in color and on the nose, with medicinal notes and blackcurrant; fleshy, with firm-grained tannins and plenty of spice, a spicy finish. Well done.

Quite dark coloured wine with blackcurrant, plum and some tar aromas. A robust palate reflects Pauillac power, but I sense a bit of tannic austerity. Tasted on a second occasion, and it was better, but on both occasions, it lacked the mid palate depth of the top Pauillacs in this vintage, but there is enough of a vinous nature to the wine, so let's see how it turns out after barrel ageing (35% new).

The 2023 Grand-Puy-Ducasse has a plusher bouquet compared to its Pauillac peers, though it manages to retain satisfying delineation, raspberry and blackcurrant mixed with tobacco and forest floor. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, well-judged acidity, moderate length with a minty finish. Drink over the next 15 to 20 years.

Flowers, currants, tobacco leaves, and a hint of espresso already pop in the nose. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is fresh, fruity, exuberant, and creamy with good energy and lift in the mint-accented, refreshing finish. This should age for at least 2 decades with ease. The wine blends 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2030-2050.

Dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, brightening on the edge. Delicately floral, blackberries, black cherries, subtle herbal savoriness. Medium body, red cherries, subtle tannins, good freshness, mineral finish, offers uncomplicated drinking pleasure.

Open bouquet of blue berries, coriander and tobacco leaf. On the compact palate, a compelling tannic framework, underlying breed and a slightly rustic body. In the focused finish, the Pauillac tightens up and ends on wild cherry and sloe juice. Rounded.

Inky plum colour, packed with Left Bank cassis and dark, inky black fruits, crayon and liquorice root, balanced and sappy, yet still holding plenty in reserve. A sign that this is becoming an estate to watch in Pauiillac, surely one of the values of the vintage. Benjamin Cassoulet has been the technical director since 2021.

Score: 93–95. The nose moves between the suave allure of floral aromas (iris) and the precision of perfectly ripe blue fruit. Notes of black licorice and earth add complexity to these refined aromas. The palate is flavorful and aristocratic, pure silk velvet, freshness, and tension. A serious wine, with juicy fruit and chewy tannins leading to a mineral, saline finish, all elegance and acidity.

This is solid, with gently warmed cassis and plum reduction notes forming a dark and winey core, while singed alder, cold cast iron and tobacco lead notes fill in liberally. A cast iron accent then punches through to lengthen the finish. A touch burly, so cellar to let this settle in. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2037. 13,000 cases made.