Lovely, featuring a beautiful beam of pure cassis, lined with iron, savory and tobacco notes. The long finish really glistens. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 10,000 cases made. (Barrel Tasting)

Barrel Sample. Showing fine, rich dark berry flavors, this is a structured wine that has concentration. It comes from an estate that seems to have come together well.

The 2018 Grand-Puy-Ducasse is deep garnet-purple in color and has quite a lot of cedar/oak on the nose to begin, opening out to a core of warm black and red currants, stewed plums and mulberries with touches of pencil shavings, fried herbs, lavender and tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives a firm, grainy frame with some chew from the oak and fresh, crunchy red and black fruit, finishing savory.