Vibrant ruby, with leafy and fragrant deep cassis fruits on the nose and attack, consistent and cheerful, a little soft on the finish, hard to build intensity in 2024, but there are fresh acidities here that add juice while avoiding being over the top; Harvest 20 September to October 8. Owned by the Casteja family since 2021, first vintage under the new team 2022, introduced cold soaks and gentle extractions. 90 points

The 2024 Grand-Puy Ducasse is gorgeous. Dark and resonant on the palate, the Grand Vin is endowed with terrific depth from start to finish. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice and new leather are all amplified, with a kick of French oak that wraps it all together. Technical Director Anne Le Naour found a way to give the 2024 ample textural richness without distorting the wine. This is impeccably done. Tasted three times. 92-94 points

The 2024 Grand Puy Ducasse has a light and unprepossessing bouquet with pretty blackberry and briar scents and hints of smoke and tobacco in the background. The new oak seems nicely assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied and compact with sappy black fruit and moderate depth. Though it lacks a bit of complexity on the finish, this is a decent Pauillac for the vintage but there will be better to come for sure. 89-91 points