The 2016 Grand Puy-Lacoste has a clean, precise bouquet with nicely detailed blackberry, briar and tobacco aromas, touches of mint emerging with time, all utterly charming. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and a fine bead of acidity, conveying a sense of symmetry throughout and leading into a deft, quite persistent finish. This is very classy, and it should age with style. (NM)

Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant here, at 79% of the blend, the balance 21% Merlot. The élevage always makes use of 75% new oak, the wine resting in barrels for between 16 and 18 months. On the nose it feels dark and smoky, with classical touches of cedar and graphite. The palate feels a little loose at the moment, but it has depth, composition, freshness and substance, all backed up by a rather salty and minerally backdrop of tannins. This starts off surprisingly light, but it comes good with time through the middle, and it shows great substance and confidence in the finish too. Top work here;a wine which shows the good character of the vintage and which has considerable potential.

A Pauillac fifth growth estate with a strong reputation for outperforming its classification, Grand-Puy-Lacoste remains family-owned and run by François-Xavier Borie. The estate’s 58ha of vines in production are located on deep gravel soils. The 2016 is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, vinified in stainless steel and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (75% new). Georgie Hindle: Aromatic and forward. Lively, powerful, firm with plentiful tannins. Cherry, cranberry and ripe plum. Lashings of liquorice, cola and mint. Not overly spiced but still quite tight. Vincenzo Arnese: Elegant nose, very floral, hints of roses. Integrated sweet spice. The palate is fresh, with good structure. Nicely balanced. Robert Mathias MW: A Pauillac of great poise. A strong mineral inflection, with kelp and iodine notes that accentuate the ripe, dark berry fruit. Hints of black tea and cocoa. Very fine. (Panel Tasting)