Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse & Prelude A Grand-Puy Ducasse Case, 2018

Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse AOC Pauillac
A seductive wine with complex character and layers of flavour. In addition to being an impressive château built in 1820 on the quay facing the Gironde estuary in the heart of the town of Pauillac, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse is a fifth-classed growth. Aromas of mulberry, maraschino cherry and wood continue onto the palate. It is supple and smooth with great depth. Oaky incense and spices combine with dark fruit flavours. The estate has 40 hectares of vines, which are divided between three plots dispersed around the Appellation with vineyards on a gravel plateau in the south and others in the north close to Mouton, Lafite and Pontet- Canet. The 2018 is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon with 48% Merlot.

Prelude A Grand-Puy Ducasse AOC Pauillac
The second wine Prélude, a Grand-Puy Ducasse made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, was an immediate hit for me. It has vanilla, sweet fruits, and floral notes with hints of blackcurrant and pepper. It is medium- bodied with nice mid-palate weight. This is a classy wine with bitter cherry flavours and a long cherry menthol finish. Delicious to drink now, it also has cellaring potential.