Château Grand-Puy Ducasse Prelude A Grand Puy Ducasse 2022

The blackcurrants and lead pencil come through clearly here with crushed-stone undertones that follow through to a full body with a solid core of fruit that is defined and polished. It’s velvety but then turns to refined silk with a lovely finish. Please give this at least four or five years to soften and open.

The 2022 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse is a gorgeous effort that might surpass the 2020 when all is said and done. Largely Cabernet Sauvignon (58%) yet with a solid dose of Merlot (40%) and a splash of Petit Verdot, this beauty exhibits a deep purple hue as well as powerful aromatics of blackcurrants, spicy oak, freshly sharpened lead pencils, and a chalky sense of minerality. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, this broad, layered, beautifully textured, and concentrated Pauillac has building tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish.

Dark and winey, with flashes of game and sweet bay peeking out from behind a dense core of mulled black currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors. Dark licorice and warm earth notes wrap up the finish, while a smoldering cast iron edge lingers. Muscular and burly overall, but there's energy and depth for the requisite cellaring needed. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.