2015 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse

Description

94    Roger Voss for Wine Entusiast
“This generous, ripe wine is filled with fine tannins as well as juicy black-currant fruits. It is approachable in the sense that the fruit is so delicious. However, watch for those tannins that are firm and dense and will allow the wine to age. Best to wait until 2024.” (12/2017)

92    James Suckling
“Big, black and bold, this is a serious Pauillac with the typical acidity of 2015. With a bit more charm and bright fruit, this would rate more highly. Better from 2019.” (2/2018)

91    Jeb Dunnuck
“The 2015 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse is certainly impressive, and while it’s not a massive wine (possible from the harvest rains), it shines for its elegance, purity, and nuance. Its deep ruby/purple tinged color is followed by a perfumed bouquet of currants, cherries, white flowers and truffle. With medium-bodied richness, fine tannin, and beautiful balance, it should keep for 15+ years.” (11/2017)

91    Antonio Galloni for Vinous
“The 2015 Grand-Puy Ducasse is a powerful, dense wine. Plump and juicy, with tremendous depth, the 2015 offers tons of palate intensity, but far less in the way of finesse. This is an especially potent, extracted style. The blackberry jam, licorice, fruit, smoke and lavender notes are supported by a healthy dollop of new oak. It is hard to understand where the estate and this wine are going. Consulting winemaker Hubert de Boüard told me he hoped in the future to pick this fruit later than the norm today. As it stands, Grand-Puy Ducasse is one of the most extroverted wines readers will come across in Pauillac. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.” (2/2018)

91    James Molesworth for Wine Spectator
“This has a frankly toast frame around a solid core of plum and blackberry fruit. A toasty edge keeps the finish clamped down, but the stuffing is there.” (2016)

90    Jane Decanter for Decanter
“The extraction here is perhaps just a little too controlled, as the power, intensity and tannins layer up and almost cause a roadblock. But the knots work out by the mid-palate to reveal a lovely Pauillac that needs time. 40% new oak. Hubert de Bouard consults.” (11/2017)