I still harbor some reservations about the 2018 Grand Puy Ducasse, principally because the oak needs to be slightly more assimilated on the nose, where it continues to occlude the fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and plenty of freshness; here, this Pauillac seems more settled. The harmonious, pencil lead and marine-tinged finish fans out gently. I guess another 2–3 years should ensure that the oak becomes fully subsumed, and if so, this should evolve into a respectable Grand Puy Ducasse. März 2021

The 2018 Grand-Puy-Ducasse is deep garnet-purple in color and has quite a lot of cedar/oak on the nose to begin, opening out to a core of warm black and red currants, stewed plums and mulberries with touches of pencil shavings, fried herbs, lavender and tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives a firm, grainy frame with some chew from the oak and fresh, crunchy red and black fruit, finishing savory. April 2019

This is really solid with a dense and deep palate of ripe fruit and chewy tannins. Muscular for this cru. Full-bodied yet energetic and intense. März 2019