Pauillac
Welcome to the remarkable world of Pauillac, an appellation that stands as a testament to the grandeur and finesse of Bordeaux wines.
Pauillac is home to some of the most celebrated vineyards in Bordeaux, renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship and the sheer magnificence of their wines. At the pinnacle of this appellation lies the iconic Château Lafite Rothschild, a legendary estate that has captivated wine enthusiasts for centuries. Its wines, characterized by their aristocratic finesse, layers of complexity, and remarkable age-worthiness, have become the benchmark for excellence.
Another exceptional vineyard in Pauillac is Château Latour, revered for its consistency in producing wines of extraordinary depth, intensity, and longevity. With its unrivaled pedigree and unparalleled reputation, Château Latour stands as a symbol of Pauillac's winemaking heritage. Château Mouton Rothschild, known for its opulent and opulent wines, delights with its richness, elegance, and artful blending.
Other distinguished vineyards in Pauillac include Pichon Baron, recognized for its precision and structure, and Pichon Lalande, admired for its finesse and feminine charm. Pontet-Canet, with its biodynamic practices and uncompromising commitment to quality, produces wines of immense power, depth, and complexity.
The terroir of Pauillac, with its gravelly and well-draining soils, coupled with the influence of the Gironde estuary, provides ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape variety in the region. Pauillac wines exhibit a captivating blend of blackcurrant, cassis, cedar, graphite, and hints of cigar box, framed by firm yet refined tannins and vibrant acidity. They possess a remarkable structure, balance, and potential for long-term aging.
Pauillac
-
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (96)
Pauillac was close to normal rainfall, with less mildew than other parts of the region, helping to usher in the excellent crop of wines that you will find in the appellation in 2023. This joins the best of them with its superb quality, and a real sense of excitement and drive. Expect vivacity and tension in the blue and black fruits, with liqourice root, squid ink, salted cracker, white pepper spice and freshly cut herbs. September 7 to 29 for harvest, 55% new oak barrels for ageing. Carmanère dating from 1947 is in this 1st wine, with the massal selection descendents in Pastourelle. Caroline Artaud director.د.إ1,735.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2020 Croizet-Bages is a very pretty, aromatic Pauillac. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, dried herbs, incense and rose petal are all beautifully lifted. Nervy tannins need time to soften, but all elements are nicely balanced. I especially admire the energy and understated persistence here.د.إ859.00 -
Chateau d’Armailhac is typically light in style for Bordeaux yet with plenty of Pauillac character. The 2009 is higher in Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a deeper ruby colour with more spice and cedar notes. Wine from this great vintage will improve for well over a decade.د.إ3,545.00 -
Decanter (96)
Such a vibrant pink/purple rim to this, loud, full, bright, shining, rich and confident. Tannic and firm, full bodied with supple tannins that have spiced edges full of clove, aniseed and liquorice lacing the blackcurrant fruit. It's youthful still - the benefits of the magnum - with lots of tension but feels so well worked with structure and depth. I love the restraint on show, it's clearly powerful yet there is supreme elegance. Stylish, full of life and of further potential. Don't drink this yet, hold on to it for at least another 5-10 years.د.إ2,390.00 -
Decanter (96)
Such a vibrant pink/purple rim to this, loud, full, bright, shining, rich and confident. Tannic and firm, full bodied with supple tannins that have spiced edges full of clove, aniseed and liquorice lacing the blackcurrant fruit. It's youthful still - the benefits of the magnum - with lots of tension but feels so well worked with structure and depth. I love the restraint on show, it's clearly powerful yet there is supreme elegance. Stylish, full of life and of further potential. Don't drink this yet, hold on to it for at least another 5-10 years.د.إ1,390.00 -
Decanter (94)
This is clearly one of the most concentrated d’Armailhacs that has been produced in recent decades owing to the extremely small and concentrated berries, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested at the end of the growing season. It’s also one of the best, with clear personality and power, and although still the least complex of the three Pauillacs in the Mouton stable, it should offer the best value giving a ton of rich fruit and cigar box frisson. 5% Petit Verdot makes up the blend. 3.7pH. Tasted several times – always with the same impression.د.إ1,100.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
Based on 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, the 2019 Château D'Armailhac showed beautifully from barrel two years ago, and it doesn’t disappoint now from bottle. Despite the high Merlot content, it has a firmer, focused, youthful style that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring. Giving up plenty of ripe black cherry, mulberries, and cassis-like fruit as well as textbook Pauillac lead pencil, forest floor, and tobacco, it's medium to full-bodied, has good mid-palate density, subtle background oak, ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish. It shows the vintage's more elegant, classic style yet doesn't lack for concentration or length. It's going to benefit from just 3-4 years of bottle age and drink fabulously well for two decades. It's the finest d’Armailhac I've tasted.د.إ1,015.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (94)
The 2020 d'Armailhac has a more backward nose than its peers, though it gradually unfurls to reveal wonderful blackberry, pencil shaving and violet scents that are very delineated and precise. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe black fruit, quite a "juicy" Pauillac with a lot of concentration that masks the structure underneath. Very persistent on the finish with a dash of black pepper on the aftertaste, this is another long-term Pauillac. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.د.إ938.00 -
Decanter (93)
Succulent and softly supple, this has lots of energy and pace with bright red fruits, raspberries and cherries, alongside sweet spices and perfumed nuances. The acidity is so well judged it lifts the palate and delivers the individual elements with precision and poise, so you get a playful, friendly and upfront wine offering so much pleasure. I love the clarity here too, the sheer chalky and saline texture on the tongue; it feels clean and clear with a pristine quality. This will be a fabulous wine! 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.72pH. The first vintage to be vinified in the new winery which was completed just in time for the harvest.د.إ924.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
Talk about value, the 2009 Duhart-Milon is straight up sensational stuff. Made from 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot, it gives up classic notes of blackcurrants, pencil shavings, saddle leather and smoked herbs, it’s full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with fine tannin, impeccable balance and a great, great finish. It’s a heavenly bottle of wine that will compete with the best out there. Buy this wine!د.إ4,600.00 -
James Suckling (93)
This shows lots of sweet tobacco and blueberry character. Full and silky with fine tannins. Keeps fresh. Long. Well done.د.إ4,420.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (96)
This ripe wine is full of great fruit aromas and flavors. Rich, juicy blackberry is combined with intense tannins and ample acidity on the palate. It is a fine summation of the vintage, with opulent fruit that mellows serious tannins. It might seem accessible with all this fruit, but don't be fooled, the wine will need many years.د.إ1,570.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Sweet berries and cherries on the nose with sweet tobacco, lead pencil and blackcurrants. It’s full-bodied and very rich with layers of fruit and creamy tannins intertwined. Extremely long and creamy. Great Duhart. Try after 2026.د.إ1,525.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Aromas of currants and sweet tobacco with some lead pencil. Medium to full body with very fine tannins and a long, linear finish. Very fine, silky tannins. Pretty is the word. Direct and precise. Better in 2025 and onwards.د.إ1,570.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This is so refined with beautiful currant, berry and some subtle chocolate and coffee. It’s full and very subtle with fine tannins that have a long finish. Such purity and finesse with structure. Fresh and savory. 72% cabernet sauvignon and 28% merlot.د.إ1,485.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is a really pretty Duhart and fans out nicely on the palate with medium soft tannins that are polished. Gorgeous young wine. 81% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot.د.إ1,245.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (97)
The 2022 Château Duhart-Milon is all finesse and elegance, offering cassis, black raspberry, spring flowers, spicy wood, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, it’s incredibly pure, layered, and seamless, with utter class from start to finish. You can safely drink bottles anytime over the coming 30 years.د.إ1,660.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Inky plum, far deeper in texture and intensity than the Moulin de Duhart (in contrast to 2022, when both 1st and 2nd wines were intensely coloured). Classical Duhart on the attack, reserved and a little subdued, then in comes the waves of cassis, liqourice root, spiced plum, ink, tobacco and cigar box. High Cabernet in the blend, and it suits the style and character of Duhart. Has a ton of ageing potential, classical styled with precision, fully showcasing the enjoyment of 2023 in the right spots. Around 65% first wine, 45hl/h yield, 15% of press wine. Harvest September 7 to October 3. A buy.د.إ2,250.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Inky plum, far deeper in texture and intensity than the Moulin de Duhart (in contrast to 2022, when both 1st and 2nd wines were intensely coloured). Classical Duhart on the attack, reserved and a little subdued, then in comes the waves of cassis, liqourice root, spiced plum, ink, tobacco and cigar box. High Cabernet in the blend, and it suits the style and character of Duhart. Has a ton of ageing potential, classical styled with precision, fully showcasing the enjoyment of 2023 in the right spots. Around 65% first wine, 45hl/h yield, 15% of press wine. Harvest September 7 to October 3. A buy.د.إ1,500.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2018 Grand Puy Ducasse is just as impressive as it was en primeur. Readers will find a heady, richly textured Pauillac loaded with character. Technical Director Anne Le Naour and consulting oenologist Hubert de Bouärd coaxed tremendous richness from the 2018 while avoiding some of the excesses of the recent past. The result is a wine that delivers on all levels. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mint, licorice, sweet spice and a touch of new oak build into a striking crescendo on the lush, persistent finish.د.إ758.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-96)
The deep, inky-hued 2020 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse has a seriously impressive, balanced, full-bodied, structured style that's going to reward patience. Pure crème de cassis, black raspberry, graphite, lead pencil, and spring flower notes all define the bouquet, and it has plenty of background oak, a dense, chewy mid-palate, lots of tannins, and a great finish. It's going to need to be forgotten for 7-8 years but will evolve for 30 years or more.د.إ678.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Beautiful texture here. Tannins are dense and compact but finely polished and silky. Seamless and even with length and succulence. Medium- to full-bodied. Power with elegance. Endless for this. Finally the best ever.د.إ830.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023Jeb Dunnuck (94)
A classic, beautifully balanced wine, the 2023 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse checks in as 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, all brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Its deep purple hue is followed by classy and classic Pauillac darker currant fruits intermixed with notes of smoky tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, and spicy wood. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has the vintage's charming, rounded, yet nicely concentrated mouthfeel and outstanding length. It has some charm even today yet will probably hit its early drinking window in 5-7 years and keep for 30 years or more if well stored. Drink 2031-2055.د.إ4,618.42 -
(3x150cl) 2023Jeb Dunnuck (94)
A classic, beautifully balanced wine, the 2023 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse checks in as 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, all brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Its deep purple hue is followed by classy and classic Pauillac darker currant fruits intermixed with notes of smoky tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, and spicy wood. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has the vintage's charming, rounded, yet nicely concentrated mouthfeel and outstanding length. It has some charm even today yet will probably hit its early drinking window in 5-7 years and keep for 30 years or more if well stored. Drink 2031-2055.د.إ4,621.98 -
Jeb Dunnuck (94)
A classic, beautifully balanced wine, the 2023 Château Grand-Puy Ducasse checks in as 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, all brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Its deep purple hue is followed by classy and classic Pauillac darker currant fruits intermixed with notes of smoky tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, and spicy wood. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has the vintage's charming, rounded, yet nicely concentrated mouthfeel and outstanding length. It has some charm even today yet will probably hit its early drinking window in 5-7 years and keep for 30 years or more if well stored. Drink 2031-2055.د.إ657.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (97)
Two bottles of the 2010 Grand Puy-Lacoste were opened, the first showing just a little oxidation. The second has an attractive minty bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with subtle marine/seaweed notes, a touch of graphite developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive tension and wonderful freshness right from the start. There is a sense of coiled up energy here and the finish just leaves you breathless. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.د.إ2,310.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90-92+)
The 2013 Grand Puy Lacoste is terrific. Graphite, smoke, tobacco and licorice burst onto the palate, followed by layers of dark, inviting fruit. Supremely classy from start to finish, the 2013 impresses for its energy, balance and pure, mineral-driven cut. The 2013 is by no means a huge wine, but it is super-polished to the core. Tasted twice.د.إ2,940.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The 2014 Grand-Puy Lacoste has a bouquet with blackberry, boysenberry, mint and graphite, well defined and focused. It does not have to try too hard to give so much pleasure. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, very crisp acidity, beautifully proportioned with a veneer of top quality new oak that will need three or four years to be fully subsumed. But the purity and elegance of this Pauillac cannot be denied – a quite brilliant contribution to the 2014 vintage. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.د.إ3,705.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Juicy but understated, with Pauillac scrape and intensity, appellation signature in a glass - cassis bud, cocoa bean, graphite, bilberry, crushed mint, tobacco, saffron. There is enough weight and definition to the tannins to suggest that it will age well from here, but a good carafe will bring it into its drinking window. A definite standout and one to look out for. 75% new oak for ageing.د.إ2,530.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Juicy but understated, with Pauillac scrape and intensity, appellation signature in a glass - cassis bud, cocoa bean, graphite, bilberry, crushed mint, tobacco, saffron. There is enough weight and definition to the tannins to suggest that it will age well from here, but a good carafe will bring it into its drinking window. A definite standout and one to look out for. 75% new oak for ageing.د.إ1,575.00

