1996 Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Mid crimson. Savoury jewel bright fruit. Some real rather leathery bouquet even if it is not desperately intense. Sweet, dusty fruit does not seem the subtlest but it’s all coming along nicely and probably just needs a little more time to shine. Very dry finish at the moment. (JR)
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
This estate, which tends to turn out forward, soft Pauillacs, has made a firm, structured wine. The color is a healthy dark ruby with purple nuances. The nose offers up aromas of cassis, dusty, earthy notes, tobacco leaf, cedar, and spice. Medium-bodied, with excellent depth and ripeness, and the Cabernet Sauvignon component dominating its personality, this is a fine Grand-Puy-Ducasse that should be reasonably priced. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015.
A bit tough, but shows interesting yet reserved aromas and flavors of cherry and raspberry and mineral. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a short finish. Best after 2000. 13,380 cases made. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1999.
This estate, which tends to turn out forward, soft Pauillacs, has made a firm, structured wine. The color is a healthy dark ruby with purple nuances. The nose offers up aromas of cassis, dusty, earthy notes, tobacco leaf, cedar, and spice. Medium-bodied, with excellent depth and ripeness, and the Cabernet Sauvignon component dominating its personality, this is a fine Grand-Puy-Ducasse that should be reasonably priced. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015. Apr 1999, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
The 40 hectares of this Pauillac Fifth Growth are spread across three sites, pieced together in the 18th century by Pierre Ducasse. Today owned by France’s Crédit Agricole bank, they have some very fine vineyard land, with their northernmost plot neighbouring Mouton and Lafite.