Soft and velvety wine with polished tannins and juicy acidity. Medium to full body. Wait and see how the mid-palate fills in.

Juicy and direct, with a brambly mix of raspberry and black currant liberally laced with taut anise and plum skin. A bit firm in the end, but some good stuffing here.-J.M.

A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot, the Grand Puy Ducasse has a light patina of red cherry and strawberry fruit with a touch of forest floor. The oak is well integrated and subtle, although it would benefit from greater intensity. The palate is really not bad at all. Nicely balanced with slightly chewy tannins, a crisp profile of blackberry, cedar and a slight pastille note towards the finish. The Grand Puy Ducasse exhibits not signs of greenness and whilst it is not a complex Pauillac, it is well balanced and quite charming on the finish. Tasted April 2012.

Drink 2019-2028 Dark cherry red, black core. Quiet on the nose, hint of oak sweetness, ripe cassis just showing through. Rich and dense and very sweet on the palate, both fruit and vanilla sweetness though fresh, too. Quite distinctive in this line up. Firm grip gives a pretty abrupt finish though maybe the tannins will ease up and allow the fruit through? (JH)