In the heart of the Pauillac appellation, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 2018 embodies the stature of a 5e Grand Cru Classé 1855 in a contemporary, precise and nuanced expression. From emblematic gravelly ridges, this Bordeaux red concentrates a terroir-driven expression that sculpts the texture and extends the finish. The sunny yet thoroughly balanced 2018 vintage produces a refined cuvée driven by pure black fruit and an overall harmony that opens with aeration. Owned by CA Grands Crus, the estate pursues exacting standards and consistency, with an environmental commitment recognised by certification HVE since 2017. From the outset, this 2018 captivates with aristocratic restraint, then reveals, step by step, a deep bouquet and a texture with fine tannins, ready for the table as well as for ageing.

Assemblage et vinification

The Pauillac signature is expressed here through a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot. Grapes are harvested ripe and carefully sorted, vinified in the estate's classic style to preserve fruit brightness and structural integrity. Ageing is handled with restraint to integrate precise oak without masking the mineral backbone and freshness inherent to the gravel soils. The result, of exemplary steadiness, combines density and length, with a balance that asserts itself as oxygenation progresses. The 2018 vintage offered generous ripeness, enhanced by meticulous work in the vineyard and the cellar, delivering a deep, pure wine built to stand the test of time.

Notes de dégustation

• Colour : Deep garnet with purple highlights, bright and concentrated, a prelude to generous substance.
• Nose : Notes of blackcurrant and blackberry, touches of graphite and cedar, finely integrated oak, and a hint of sweet spice. The bouquet gains opulence and complexity with aeration.
• Palate : Generous attack, a fleshy yet controlled mid-palate, tight and polished tannins. The structure is straight, the finish stretches long on black fruit, a saline lift and the noble stamp of Pauillac.

Température de service et conseils

Serve between 17 and 18 °C in large glasses to allow the aromatic depth and texture to express themselves. Open the bottle an hour before serving or decant to reveal the full dimension of the vintage. This 2018 already offers considerable pleasure after aeration, while showing a cellaring potential of more than ten years depending on storage conditions. Store bottles lying down, out of light, in a cool and stable cellar to promote a harmonious evolution of tannins and bouquet.

Accords mets et vin

• Gourmet aperitifs : cured beef ham, poultry pâté en croûte, truffle gougères.
• Starters : game terrine, knife-cut beef tartare, sautéed porcini with reduced jus.
• Main courses : roast rack of lamb, grilled rib‑eye, braised beef chuck, roast duck with mild spices.
• Cheeses : aged Comté, extra-old Mimolette, Pyrenean sheep's tomme.
• Desserts : a rare pairing; favour a low-sugar dessert based on pure cocoa to preserve the wine's balance.

Moments de dégustation

Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 2018 is the ideal companion for:

• Gastronomic dining where premium cuts and precise cooking call for a poised Pauillac.
• Collectors' dinners, served mid-meal for its length and classic profile.
• As a connoisseur's gift, to be given with the promise of fine cellar development.

Caractéristiques

• Name : Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 2018
• Appellation : Pauillac AOC
• Classification : 5e Grand Cru Classé 1855
• Type : Red wine, Fine wines
• Vintage : 2018
• Grape varieties : Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
• Alcohol : approx. 14.5 % vol.
• Terroir : Pauillac gravel ridges
• Commitment : estate certified HVE
• Service : 17–18 °C, decanting recommended
• Cellaring : more than 10 years depending on storage
• Louvins reference : CAV-VROUGE-CH-GRAND-PUY-DUCASSE-2018