Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse - Pauillac 2015
Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse Description
History
Three large plots in the best parts of Pauillac form the Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé en 1855 vineyard of this classified growth. This unusual configuration is a direct inheritance from the estate’s founder, Pierre Ducasse, an eminent lawyer. In the 18th century he gave a single name to a fine vineyard holding, which was put together through inheritance and purchases. When he died in 1797, his son, Pierre, inherited a 60-hectare exploitation, named Ducasse-Grand-Puy-Artigues-Arnaud, of which two third were planted with vines. The estate was classified in 1855, under the name of Artigues Arnaud. Thanks to impeccable harvesting and tailor-made winemaking, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot produce a wine renowned for its aromatic complexity, glorious structure and aging capacity, all true to the classic Pauillac style.
Topography and Soil
The vineyard consists of three large plots in the commune of Pauillac. The vines border those of Mouton, Lafite and Pontet-Canet to the North. In their central part, they cover part of the Bourdieu of Grand Puy, and, at their southern extremity, the Saint-Lambert plateau.
Garonne gravels and silica, typical of Pauillac, for the Cabernet Sauvignon, and sandy gravels for the Merlot.
Winemaking
After hand-picking and selection of the grapes on the vine, these arrive in the winery, where they are de-stalked and carefully sorted once more. Fermentation is carried out in temperature controlled stainless-steel tanks. Some of the wines undergo malolactic fermentation in new barrels. The wine is aged from 18 to 24 months, depending on the vintage, in French oak barrels, 30% to 40% of which are new
Wine Enthusiast: 94 Points
This generous, ripe wine is filled with fine tannins as well as juicy black-currant fruits. It is approachable in the sense that the fruit is so delicious. However, watch for those tannins that are firm and dense and will allow the wine to age. Best to wait until 2024.
-Roger Voss
Wine Spectator: 88 Points
A touch austere along the edges, with a charcoal frame, but the core of plum and black cherry fruit is solid, showing alluring iron and bay leaf accents. Best from 2019 through 2027. 10,250 cases made. — JM
Vinous Media: 90-93 Points
The 2015 Grand-Puy Ducasse is dark, fleshy and inviting. The powerful side of Pauillac comes through in these dense, concentrated wine. Black cherry, mocha, licorice and lavender meld into the richly textured, opulent close. Consulting winemaker Hubert de Bouärd has crafted a decidedly modern, lavish Pauillac. Tasted two times.
-- Antonio Galloni
Wine Advocate: 90-92 Points
The 2015 Grand-Puy-Ducasse has a classic pencil lead and cedar-scented bouquet that feels just a little foursquare at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with a dash of spice on the entry. This is underpinned by quite robust tannin, but fortunately this Pauillac forages finesse towards the finish that is well balanced and offers attractive persistence. While not as showy out of barrel, I suspect it may coalesce and turn into one of the better wines from this estate in recent years. My banded score based upon that optimism.
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