Possibly the finest wine yet produced at this estate, the 2009 is even fatter, richer, and more unctuously textured than the 2005 (which I loved). It boasts an opaque purple color, thrilling levels of sweet creme de cassis and blackberries along with hints of underbrush as well as forest floor, silky tannins, full body, and a plush, heady, opulent personality. This stunning wine should drink well for two decades. Tasted three times. 90-93* points

Tasted at the UGC. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, this has a rather subdued nose. blackberry, undergrowth, cigar box...very well defined. The palate is not bad at all. certainly an improvement in recent years with better balance and (hoorah!) no sign of greenness. Not an ambitious GPD, but understated and agreeable on the foursquare, tobacco led finish. Tasted March 2010. 88-90 points

My best rating ever given to this wine during futures campaigns. Showing a lovely, dark, intense color, this wine offers a fruity, precise, pure and slightly cold nose. Gorgeous on entry, it performs finely pulpy, and then develops aromatic, with taste, body presence and a creamy character that provides quite an enjoyable touch on the palate. The 2009 Grand Puy Ducasse finishes melting and long over fine tannins and with no shortage of power. It is very good indeed. 88-89 points

Black red, smoky and concentrated blackcurrant fruit, rich succulent fruit with a thick velvety texture and quite firm tannins. Drink 2015-25. 16.5 points