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.

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. vinous.com, February 2018

The 2015 Grand-Puy-Ducasse has a classic pencil lead and cedar-scented bouquet that feels just a little foursquare at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with a dash of spice on the entry. This is underpinned by quite robust tannin, but fortunately this Pauillac forages finesse towards the finish that is well balanced and offers attractive persistence. While not as showy out of barrel, I suspect it may coalesce and turn into one of the better wines from this estate in recent years. My banded score based upon that optimism.

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.

Very dark crimson. Made by Hubert de Boüard for Crédit Agricole. Sweet and luscious. Racy and round. Difficult to find the tannins. Very sweet indeed. Different from the usual Pauillac. Early drinking?
Drink 2022-2034