The 2022 Grand Puy Lacoste was picked from 7 to 23 September and contains more Merlot due to the high quality of the fruit, matured in 75% new oak. There is 14.2% alcohol. Therefore, this lends this GPL a little more precocity and sensuality than other vintages, not cut from the same "classical" cloth as 2019 or 2020.

Underlying this velvety veneer are enticing traits of freshly-rolled tobacco and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-sculpted tannins. Silky smooth in texture, so much so that it belies that backbone underneath.

A peacock's tail of mineral-rich, quite peppery black fruit is on the finish, completing a Pauillac endowed with huge potential.

Drink 2030 - 2065

A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a brilliant classic in the making, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, violets and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to a full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate that exhibits beautiful structural refinement and purity of fruit.

Classy and integrated, it is reminiscent of a modern-day and less forbiddingly structured version of this estate's brilliant 1982. A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a brilliant classic in the making, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, violets and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to a full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate that exhibits beautiful structural refinement and purity of fruit.

Classy and integrated, it is reminiscent of a modern-day and less forbiddingly structured version of this estate's brilliant 1982.

Licorice with tapenade, cassis, roasted spices and a touch of bergamot and pencil shavings. Full-bodied and structured, this has filigreed tannins in a very dusty, almost powdery form. Really youthful and long. Juicy and compact with spot-on balance. 79% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot. Give it at least three years to unwind and develop complexity.

Inky depths to the colour. Violet edging, bitter black chocolate and graphite can feel the grain of the tannins and the beautiful balance and juice to damson, cassis and plum puree fruits.

Capturing just the right amount of drama without sacrificing Pauillac character, this wine will age exceptionally well, with a depth of flavour and a rich tannic frame showing how 2022 can succeed in the right hands.

75% new oak, 3.57ph. Harvest earliest ever, beginning on September 7 (2003 was September 15), 60% of production in the 1st wine, Eric Boissenot consultant. 38hl/h yield, a little over the Pauillac average.

Gorgeous vibrant purple colour in the glass, deep and darkly scented, black bramble fruits, flowers, cinnamon, dark chocolate and liquorice. Firm and forward, this is generous but sleek, so you get power, concentration, juicy liveliness, and great tension and energy. I really do like the ease of this; it's not trying too hard but delivered with poise, punch and purity.