Anthocyanes (Y. Castaing) (2021) 93 - 93 / 100

Graphite, fumé, légèrement austère, menthol, fruits noirs bien murs. En bouche, une belle construction d’ensemble, fraîcheur mentholée, trame tannique imposante même si le cru montre des signes d’évolution stylistique. Belle bouteille en devenir.

Decanter (2021) 90 / 100

Some grilled smoke edges to the aromatics on the first nose. This is extremely tight in its tannins, pretty austere and you need to take a beat to allow this to settle. Cassis and blueberry fruit notes help bring some juice among the tight muscular structure. The oak is a little evident overall, but this is carefully made with promise. Harvest September 15 to October 1.

JM Quarin (2021)

Couleur sombre, intense et belle. Nez très aromatique, au fruité mûr et suave. Moelleux à l’attaque, avec un corps minutieux au milieu, savoureux, le vin caresse le palais. Il s’achève sur une longueur moyenne, à la tannicité enveloppée.

James Suckling (2021) 94 - 95 / 100

Beautiful richness and depth, offering plums, berries and redcurrants with some walnut and hazelnut undertones. It’s full-bodied and layered. Flavorful finish. One of the best ever.

Jancis Robinson (2021) 16.5 / 20

Fruity and fulsome on the nose with dark fruit notes and a dash of (quality) oak. Round and generous on attack then drives on through the palate. At a stage of «prise de bois» so drying finish but the oak should integrate in time. Dense rather than complex.

Jeb Dunnuck (2021) 93 - 96 / 100

The deep, inky-hued 2020 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse has a seriously impressive, balanced, full-bodied, structured style that’s going to reward patience. Pure crème de cassis, black raspberry, graphite, lead pencil, and spring flower notes all define the bouquet, and it has plenty of background oak, a dense, chewy mid-palate, lots of tannins, and a great finish. It’s going to need to be forgotten for 7-8 years but will evolve for 30 years or more.

Le Figaro (2021) 16 - 16.5 / 20

Un bouquet de fruits rouges et de tabac, pour un nez amical et franc du collier. Une bouche qui se distingue radicalement du nez, avec de beaux arômes de fruits noirs, et une texture entêtante.

Markus del Monego (2021) 95 / 100

Intense purple colour with violet hue and black core. Opulent and rich nose with multilayered character. Aroma reminiscent of ripe plums, juicy blackberries and blackcurrants, black cherries and sloe in the background. Distinct toasting aroma, mocha and hints of cold smoke, a whiff of graphite in the background. On the palate well structured with excellent length and depth, ripe tannins, juicy fruit and discreet spiciness. Distinct toasting flavour in the aftertaste. An opulent yet elegant wine with freshness and excellent length.

RVF (2021) 91 - 92 / 100

Doté d’une belle matière, le vin joue sur une extraction un peu plus poussée, ce qui lui apporte du volume, mais durcit les tanins. Le bois le marque aussi à ce stade.

Terre de Vins (2021) 96 / 100

Fidèle à son approche discrète, le nez annonce quand même la profondeur et une certaine gourmandise. Attaque et palais d’un grand velours, équilibre incroyable entre arômes fruitiers, racinaires puis épicés. Grands tanins élancés, capturant les papilles en fin de bouche. Main de fer dans un gant de velours, grand vin.

Vinous (A. Galloni) (2021) 92 - 93 / 100

The 2020 Grand Puy Ducasse is another fabulous wine from a château that has been on an impressive streak over the last few years. Red fruit, graphite, mint, dried herbs and blood orange. The interplay of richness and energy is compelling. Even as a very young barrel sample, the oak is so well integrated. The 2020 is a striking wine loaded with potential. The long, seamless finish is a thing of beauty. Tasted two times. I very much like the energy here.

Vinous (N. Martin) (2021) 92 - 94 / 100

The 2020 Grand Puy Ducasse is a wonderful effort from this Pauillac that has always threatened to pulls its socks up. The nose is crisp and focused, featuring vivacious black fruit, cedar and light minty aromas. The palate is mediumbodied with fine-grained tannins and very well-judged acidity, taut at first but fanning out in a sophisticated fashion that I have not noticed on a Grand Puy Ducasse before. This might well be the dark horse of Pauillac. Chapeau ! Tasted three times with consistent notes.

Yves Beck (2021) 90 - 92 / 100

Le bouquet est encore bien marqué par son élevage, mais il parvient néanmoins à révéler d’invitantes notes de baies noires. En bouche le vin est charmant et crémeux. Les tannins se révèlent lentement et sont encore quelque peu anguleux en fin de bouche. Un vin qui mérite un peu d’assouplissement ; il aura le temps de s’arrondir durant son élevage.

Appellation	Pauillac
Classement	5ème Grand Cru Classé en 1855
Superficie	40 ha
Encépagement	Cabernet Sauvignon 60% - Merlot 40%
Age moyen des vignes	30 ans
Sols et sous-sol	Graves typiques de Pauillac, sur un sol silico-graveleux et argilo-sableux
Elevage	Barriques neuves de 30 à 40% pendant 18 à 24 mois