The 2022 Grand Puy Lacoste, observed out of barrel, offers a more sensual and generous bouquet than previous vintages, with blackberry, bilberry and cedar scents emerging from the glass with a hint of pencil box underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, showing more structure than it did from barrel, which is precisely what you want from this Pauillac estate. Tobacco and graphite notes towards the finish linger beautifully in classical style. This is a very impressive wine that will mature with panache and stature. 96 points

The 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is stellar, especially in the way it melds together the natural richness of the year with its classic style. Well defined, layered and energetic, the Grand-Puy-Lacoste is all class. Time in the glass further reveals its detailed personality. This is such a polished and nuanced Pauillac, even in 2022. 94 points

Inky depths to the colour. Violet edging, bitter black chocolate and graphite, can feel the grain of the tannins, and the beautiful balance and juice to damson, cassis and plum puree fruits. Captures just the right amount of drama without sacrificing Pauillac character, this is a wine that is clearly going to age extremely well, with depth of flavour and rich tannic frame that shows how 2022 can succeed in the right hands. 75% new oak, 3.57ph. Harvest earliest ever, beginning on September 7 (2003 was September 15), 60% of production in the 1st wine, Eric Boissenot consultant. 38hl/h yield, a little over the Pauillac average. 96 points

A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a brilliant classic in the making, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, violets and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate that exhibits beautiful structural refinement and purity of fruit. Classy and integrated, it is somewhat reminiscent of a modern-day and less forbiddingly structured version of this estate`s brilliant 1982. 95-97 points