Cassis, graphite, spicy wood, and floral nuances all define the 2025 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, a beautiful effort ranking with the best wines from this château. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a pure, graceful mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and wonderful overall balance. It's a beautifully classic, satisfying Pauillac in the making. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

The second vintage of a small plot selection with a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon with ageing only in amphora and no new oak. Smells heady and full of ripe fragrant black fruit with lots of sweet floral scents too. Lovely. Supple and charming from the off, full of freshness with upfront acidity and brightness. A little more tight than the main grand vin bottling, everything is coiled with firm chalky tannins but there’s lovely purity of fruit. A little bit dry but not at all rustic or austere, more fresh!

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2025 Grand-Puy Ducasse slowly unfurls to reveal notes of juicy black plums and fresh black currants, plus suggestions of cedar chest, bay leaves, and tilled soil. The medium-bodied palate delivers tight-knit black fruit flavors with firm, grainy tannins and a lively line, finishing long with a savory lift. Classic great Pauillac. (LPB)