2018 Grand Puy Lacoste
This captures the style of the vintage to a T, with vividly ripe cassis and plum fruit, carried by solidly built but fine-grained structure. Lots of graphite and tobacco accents hang in the background for now. A firmly grounded wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. Score range: 95-98 Read more
Critic Reviews
This captures the style of the vintage to a T, with vividly ripe cassis and plum fruit, carried by solidly built but fine-grained structure. Lots of graphite and tobacco accents hang in the background for now. A firmly grounded wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. Score range: 95-98
Juicy and compact now, with dark currant, blackberry and fig notes at the core, surrounded by lots of warm earth, singed alder and tobacco leaf notes. Cast iron note helps extend the finish, with the fruit and earth notes keeping pace. Has a slight throwback feel, so if you like old school, ageworthy Pauillac, this is your wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2038. 10,000 cases made.
Another success from Grand-Puy-Lacoste – it’s bright and full of juice, prioritising vibrancy over power. As such, it has a touch less Pauillac typicity than in the absolutely brilliant 2016 vintage at this estate, although as it unfurls through the palate you do get the menthol, cassis and smoked cedar that is just such a beautiful sign of ripe Cabernet up in this corner of the world.They were extremely careful with extraction because of the high alcohols, so grapes underwent the shortest maceration to date with no pumping over just an infusion during the extraction process. Harvest took place between 21 September and 5 October. 12% press wine. 75% new oak used. A yield of 40hl/ha.
The 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste was picked at 40hl/ha from September 21 to October 5. It is tightly wound on the nose, although it was due for a racking that will open up the aromatics. Black currant mixes with raspberry and a touch of graphite and brine, gradually revealing light floral topnotes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Classic "GPL" in some ways, delivering off-dry black fruit mixed with tobacco and black pepper, and cedar notes toward the finish. With around 14% alcohol, it has one of the highest levels at this property, although there is no warmth and it is not noticeable. Those who love Grand-Puy-Lacoste will enjoy this, and it should drink well for 20 years.
This is a deep and beautiful 2018 with blackcurrant, wet-earth and fresh-tobacco undertones. Full-bodied, tight and polished. Gorgeous finish. The tannins kick in at the end. Fine texture.
A wine of precision, energy and nuance, the 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fabulous. Freshly cut flowers, mint and sweet red berry fruit grace this exquisite, nuanced Pauillac. Medium in body, understated and classy, Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the highlights of the year. In a word: impeccable. The 2018 is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot from yields of 40 hectoliters per hectare.
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is scented of warm blackcurrants, black cherries, spice box, florals and chocolate box with a menthol hint. Full-bodied, the palate is rich, plush and generous, finishing long and perfumed.
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot. 40 hl/ha. Barrel sample. Black core with wide purple rim. Great purity of intense, ripe but fresh black fruit. The fruit flavours are ripe not overripe and scented with cassis and blueberry yet overall there is a freshness to balance the fruit and that rocky/pencil quality that was also on the Lacoste-Borie. Darker and more mineral on the palate, then really bright on the finish with refined tannins. There's a real elegance here thanks to the purity of the fruit and the finesse in the tannins. Harmony and finesse right to the end. A very good year for Grand-Puy-Lacoste. Score: 17.5/20
Technical Attributes
- Producer: Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
- Varietal: Red Blend
- Region: Bordeaux
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Net volume: 750ml
- Vintage: 2018
- Cellar until 2038
-
Style GuideLight Intense
Tasting Notes
Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2018 is one of a series of great vintages. The blend has a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) whose character and charm so perfectly express the richness and quality of this distinguished terroir. This wine is deep magenta, intense and brilliant. The bouquet reveals aromas of ripe black fruits and liquorice, underlining the grapes' perfect maturity, whilst keeping a pretty freshness and good minerality. On the palate, the attack is precise, very dense and complex. This 2018 has a very fine balance combining power, elegance and complexity. It has a long, very aromatic and tannic finish. The whole emphasizing the great ageing potential of this wine. This vintage is no doubt one of the great success stories of the chateau and what more fitting way to celebrate this 40th anniversary! Total vineyard surface
Winemakers Note
The history of Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fascinating as it is a timeless family saga that traces its roots back to the 16th century. The name 'Grand-Puy' is derived from the ancient term 'puy,' signifying a 'hillock' or 'small height.' True to its namesake, the vineyard occupies elevated outcrops, boasting a terroir akin to that of the Médoc's premier growths. In 1978 it became associated with the esteemed Borie family. François-Xavier Borie, the current owner, has played a pivotal role in orchestrating a magnificent renaissance for this Grand Cru Classé in Pauillac. He initiated a comprehensive revitalization effort that encompassed the entire estate. His substantial investments and relentless commitment to enhancing Grand-Puy-Lacoste have consistently elevated the quality of its wines, artfully capturing the finesse of its exceptional Pauillac terroir.
Delivery Details
International Marketplace Product: Estimated dispatch from Sydney warehouse: June 30th, 2024
Automatically calculated based on your delivery address at checkout.
We're pleased to offer free standard delivery on orders valued at $300 or more. Free standard delivery is available to most locations.
For full details, please see our
Delivery Policy.