The 2025 Grand Puy Ducasse has a very succinct nose. At first, it feels maybe a bit underpowered, yet with a few swirls it reveals gorgeous blackberry, cedar and violet scents that blossom over time. The palate is medium-bodied with very lithe and supple tannins, well-judged acidity and commendable cohesion on the finish. This vastly improved Pauillac should be more approachable than some of its peers, yet it has the substance to age in bottle.

By Neal Martin May 2026