The 2019 Grand Puy Ducasse showed promise when I tasted the barrel sample in the UK. Now in bottle, it has developed nicely, though it demands coaxing to reveal well-defined blackberry and graphite scents. The palate is medium-bodied, classic Pauillac in style, with gentle grip on the finish. Is it reaching the estate’s full potential? I think that is yet to come. But this is the finest Grand Puy Ducasse in many years and certainly superior to the 2018. 93 points

Lovely deep purple colour gives this an attractive Pauillac strength both visually and on the firm cassis-led attack. This is attractive, with well-worked but plentiful tannins and touches of austerity in the way you hope for in a young Pauillac. This is well balanced with firm cassis fruits and has a chewiness to the tannins that becomes more apparent on the finish. Spice and fresh mint leaf add interest and typicity. Tasted twice three weeks apart. 92 points

The 2019 Grand-Puy-Ducasse has a very deep purple-black color, slowly unfurling in the glass to offer profound notes of baked black plums, warm cassis and blackberry jam with touches of cedar chest, menthol, mocha and black olives plus a waft of lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate is built like a brick house, with a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the generous black fruit preserves, finishing with a lingering minty lift. 92-94 points