Prelude A Grand-Puy Ducasse 2015 750ml

Quite brambly summer-berry and dark-plum aromas with a thread of violets and cassis. The palate has a smooth, pastry-like tannin texture and is gently grainy and layered. Very fresh and elegant finish.

The 2015 Grand-Puy-Ducasse has a classic pencil lead and cedar-scented bouquet that feels just a little foursquare at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with a dash of spice on the entry. This is underpinned by quite robust tannin, but fortunately this Pauillac forages finesse towards the finish that is well balanced and offers attractive persistence. While not as showy out of barrel, I suspect it may coalesce and turn into one of the better wines from this estate in recent years. My banded score based upon that optimism.