Ducasse has definitely turned up the level of quality over the last 7-8 years. Classic creme de cassis notes intermixed with licorice, spring flowers, a bit of toast and smoke are all present in this medium to full-bodied, elegant, yet savory, expansively flavored, deep, silky-textured wine that has outstanding depth, purity, and a good 20-second finish. This is approachable enough to drink in 2-3 years but certainly has the stuffing to last 15-18.
The 2006 Grand Puy Ducasse has a simple, pleasant, tobacco and leather tinged bouquet that gently unfolds in the glass, though you know it will never get out of fourth gear. The palate is crisp and fresh on the entry with pencil lead infusing the black fruit, foursquare and classic in style, missing some depth but with respectable length. This is as good as I could have expected, yet you still cannot help comparing it with its peers and desiring more.
Mid to dark crimson. Slightly weak rim. Sweet, relatively simple Ovaltine/Ovomaltine nose. Then meaty, savoury front palate and some slight greenness on the finish. A bit disjointed but it should get there in the end. Pretty chunky and playing the long-term card. Very solid! Pretty uncompromising.
Tasted at the UGC. A ripe blackberry, rather one-dimensional nose with scents of cranberry, graphite and cherry. Just lacks a little lift. A soft entry, very smooth on the palate with noticeable extraction. Lacks a sense of natural calm and poise, but good length and a tannic, rather astringent finish. It may improve in barrel. Tasted April 2007.
