Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 1999

Aromas of red currants, dried herbs, tobacco, and wood emerge from this medium-bodied 1999. Plum, currant, and cherry fruit, soft acidity, and light tannin suggest consumption is warranted over the next 6-7 years.

Blackberry, grilled meat and fresh mushroom aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with a solid core of ripe tannins and a medium finish. Well done for this estate. Best after 2004. 10,000 cases made.

Vivid purple, deep at the core. Intense bouquet with surprising depth, a wonderful interplay of red and blue berries. Firm on the palate, yet with remarkably fine tannins and very good support. Clearly better vinified than previous vintages.

00: Barrel sample (17/20): A warm bouquet shaped by ripe fruit, fine smoky notes and gentle raisin nuances, bread crust, rock candy. On the palate, quite fleshy, with once again terrific aromatics; plenty of black and blue berries on the finish. A superb, long-lasting wine that, for a Grand-Puy-Ducasse, almost seems to have outdone itself. 03: Deep, dense purple, profound at the core. Intense bouquet, surprisingly deep, with a wonderful interplay between red and blue berries. Firm on the palate, yet with remarkably fine tannins and very good backbone. Clearly better vinified than earlier vintages. 17/20 2005 – 2013

Deep dark red colour. Medium to good intensity. Bright. Nose of medium intensity. Fruity. Fresh. Fairly refined. A hint of ink. A soft attack, opening onto a juicy palate with good density and plenty of fruit. The tannins build slowly—smooth, fresh and still fruit-driven—leading to a spicy, liquorice-tinged, very juicy finish. The tannic profile recalls liquorice and the smoky note of Cabernet Sauvignon. Good length. A sappy, very successful wine.