Château Grand-Puy Ducasse Pauillac 2020 - 5ème Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This vintage comes from several plots spread across the entire appellation. One, located in Grand Puy, gave it its name and produces the most distinguished part of the blend, which has progressed well under the guidance of the highly competent Anne Le Naour. There is still room for improvement, which will be made possible by the imminent construction of a new vat room, allowing for precise plot selection and even more careful aging.

Guide Hachette des vins

About wine:

Dark and dense, the color leaves no one indifferent and heralds a serious, deep wine. On the nose, black fruits (blueberry, blackcurrant liqueur) mingle with roasted, spicy, and delicately minty notes. A palette as broad as it is intense, infusing an imposing, full-bodied, powerful, very long palate with tight tannins. A (very) great Pauillac for aging. 2028-2040

About the estate:

Built mainly in the 18th century by lawyer Arnaud Ducasse, the property took its current name in 1932. The château overlooking the Gironde dates back to 1820. Three large gravel plots make up this 40-hectare vineyard, owned by CA Grands Crus (Crédit Agricole group) since 2004.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Like Meyney, Grand-Puy Ducasse belongs to a subsidiary of Crédit Agricole (CA Grands Crus). Although we were somewhat disappointed by certain vintages from the early 2000s, which were clearly below the standard of a good cru classé, things are changing: the estate has set itself the ambitious goal of producing a wine worthy of its rank. Anne Le Naour, who manages the estate and supervises the winemaking, is gradually introducing the refinement that was often lacking in the wine. Since 2015, progress has been steady.

Wine Enthusiast

Vinous

About wine:

Grand-Puy Ducasse 2020 is elegant, refined, and sophisticated, just as it was when first released. Black cherry, mocha, licorice, and crushed rose petals are just some of the many notes that open up. Medium-bodied, with tremendous energy and plenty of class, Grand Puy Ducasse is very pretty and particularly refined in 2020. 2030-2050

James Suckling

About wine:

A young Pauillac, transparent and clear, with aromas of blackcurrant, mushroom, chocolate, and damp earth. Full-bodied, layered, and flavorful, with fine, velvety tannins. Lots of graphite and blue fruit on the finish. Drink after 2027.

Terre de Vins

About wine:

True to its discreet approach, the nose nevertheless hints at depth and a certain richness. The attack and palate are velvety smooth, with an incredible balance between fruity, root, and spicy aromas. Slender tannins capture the taste buds on the finish. An iron fist in a velvet glove—a great wine.

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose is fresh and offers harmonious power, intensity, a fine grain, a subtle compact/discreetly tight aspect, and complexity. There are notes of pulpy wild blackberry, fairly ripe wild strawberry and, more subtly, ripe black berries combined with hints of violet, cherry/morello cherry, nutmeg and delicate touches of sweet spices, black tea and toast. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, minerality, freshness, tension, as well as richness (under control), indulgence, and a nice tannic structure. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, fleshy/juicy strawberry and, more subtly, violet, combined with hints of fresh/pulpy red berries and touches of cardamom, graphite, dark chocolate, toast/caramelization, subtle hints of blond tobacco (in the background), a subtle hint of tea and toasted hazelnut. Good length. A lovely, racy wine. The nose is fresh and offers harmonious power, intensity, a fine grain, a subtle compact/discreetly tight side, and complexity. There are notes of pulpy wild blackberry, fairly ripe wild strawberry and, more subtly, ripe black berries combined with hints of violet, cherry/morello cherry, nutmeg and subtle hints of sweet spices, black tea and toast. The palate is fruity and offers juiciness, minerality, freshness, tension, as well as richness (under control), indulgence, and a nice tannic structure. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, fleshy/juicy strawberry and, more subtly, violet, combined with hints of fresh/pulpy red berries and touches of cardamom, graphite, dark chocolate, toast/caramelization, discreet hints of blond tobacco (in the background), a subtle hint of tea and toasted hazelnut. Good length. A lovely, elegant and delicious wine.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About wine:

Deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. Opulent and rich nose with a multi-layered character. Aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and juicy blackcurrant, with black cherry and sloe in the background. Distinct aromas of roasted coffee, mocha, and cold smoke, with a hint of graphite in the background. On the palate, the wine is well-structured, with excellent length and depth, ripe tannins, juicy fruit, and subtle spices. The finish is marked by roasted notes. An opulent yet elegant wine, with freshness and excellent length.