2020 Grand-Puy-Lacoste (Pauillac)

The 2020 Grand-Puy-Lacoste fulfils its promise from barrel. It has a very sophisticated and complex bouquet with black fruit, pencil shavings and light estuarine scents, beautifully defined and focused. The palate has real intensity and concentration, the precision belying a very intense GPL not unlike the 2016 with a persistent graphite-infused finish that is just pure finesse. Magnificent. 96 points

The 2020 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is every bit as captivating from bottle as it was from barrel. Rich and explosive to the core, the 2020 possesses tremendous energy and nuance right out of the gate. Bright acids run through a core of ripe red plum fruit, blood orange, cedar and pipe tobacco. The 2020 is an absolute stunner. 96 points

Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Pure vibrant dark fruit on the nose. Powerfully dry and tannic but with finesse and great length. Lots of grip holding the fruit in check. Moderate length but nicely fresh. 17 points