Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse

Wine information: Chateau Grand Puy Ducasse was acquired in 2004 by CA Grands Crus and, since then, an improvement strategy has been successfully implemented. This has been supervised by Bernard Monteau, the technical director, with advice from Denis Dubourdieu, the consultant oenologist. The vineyard's 40 hectares are divided between three main plots which lie on sandy Garonne gravel within the Pauillac appellation. The vines border on those of Mouton, Lafite and Pontet-Canet to the north. With an average age of 25 years, 62% of the vines are Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. Average yields are of 45 hectolitres per hectare. At harvest all the bunches are de-stemmed and lightly crushed prior to fermentation in stainless-steel tanks with temperature control. After blending, the wines continue to mature for between 18 and 24 months in barrels, of which 30 and 40% are new each year. Annual production is between 100,000 and 120,000 bottles, according to the vintage.

Reviews: "Ducasse has definitely turned up the level of quality over the last 7-8 years. Classic creme de cassis notes intermixed with licorice, spring flowers, a bit of toast and smoke are all present in this medium to full-bodied, elegant, yet savory, expansively flavored, deep, silky-textured wine that has outstanding depth, purity, and a good 20-second finish. This is approachable enough to drink in 2-3 years but certainly has the stuffing to last 15-18.2 90 Points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 181. Drink 2011-2029

 
     

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