Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse 2016

Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse is rather unique estate in the Medoc. The Chateau for the estate is not located with any vineyards. In the middle of the 17th century, Arnaud Ducasse purchased a small house on the Gironde Estuary. Pierre Ducassse begins to purchase vineyards and swaps lands throughout Pauillac. Upon his death in 1797, he owns 40 hectares of vineyards and an additional 20 hectares of land. In 1820, Pierre's son builds the Chateau on the site of his ancestors home on the Gironde Estuary. In 1855, the estate, at that time known as Artigues Arnaud is classified as a 5th Growth. In 2004, the Chateau was sold to CA Grand Crus. It remains in the company portfolio to this day.

The 40 hectares of vineyards are planted with 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. The vineyards are in 3 main plots throughout all areas in Pauillac.

Wine Spectator: 92
The warm plum, blackberry and black currant preserve flavors have solid depth, picking up dark earth and warm tobacco notes along the way. Offers a broad, fleshy finish.

Wine Advocate: 93
The 2016 Grand-Puy-Ducasse follows up the 2015 with a 2016 that is equally good, marking--one hopes--a change in direction for this Pauillac estate that frustratingly under-performed in the past. This has a very attractive bouquet with pure blackberry and raspberry coulis aromas, just that hint of pencil lead leading you towards Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, plenty of sappy black fruit and a hint of tar and graphite towards the persistent finish. This is an excellent "G.P.D" that should give a couple decades of drinking pleasure.

Wine Advocate: 93

The 2016 Grand-Puy-Ducasse follows up the 2015 with a 2016 that is equally good, marking--one hopes--a change in direction for this Pauillac estate that frustratingly under-performed in the past. This has a very attractive bouquet with pure blackberry and raspberry coulis aromas, just that hint of pencil lead leading you towards Pauillac. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, plenty of sappy black fruit and a hint of tar and graphite towards the persistent finish. This is an excellent "G.P.D" that should give a couple decades of drinking pleasure.

Decanter: 93
A big vintage of Grand-Puy Ducasse, continuing the ambition shown over recent vintages. The coffee bean aromatics are perfectly judged to give an appealing hint of oak, alongside cedar notes and dark cassis fruits. There is an austerity to the opening beats of the wine, and the tannins make their presence felt right the way through. Overall this is excellent. It is unusual to have such good yields, close to 50hl/ha, with equally good quality. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

Decanter: 93

A big vintage of Grand-Puy Ducasse, continuing the ambition shown over recent vintages. The coffee bean aromatics are perfectly judged to give an appealing hint of oak, alongside cedar notes and dark cassis fruits. There is an austerity to the opening beats of the wine, and the tannins make their presence felt right the way through. Overall this is excellent. It is unusual to have such good yields, close to 50hl/ha, with equally good quality. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

Wine Enthusiast: 93
Coming from this vastly improved estate, this wine offers rich tannins, concentration, power and density. Blackberry flavors add a more imme-diately approachable side to this wine that should be ready to drink from 2024.

James Suckling: 92
A medium-bodied and elegant Pauillac with fine, mixed-currant aromas, polished tannins and a lively finish. Drink or hold.