Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac 2015

The Borie family has owned the property since 1978. François-Xavier Borie has restored it to greatness and preserved its spirit. Jean-Eugène Borie, who loved the Médoc and its vines, bought the property in 1978. He entrusted it to his eldest son, François-Xavier, who gradually renovated the château and its winemaking facilities. Today, his eldest daughter, Emeline, works at his side. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a Pauillac wine from a vineyard of 90 hectares, of which 58 belong to a single piece of land. The vines, on average 38 years old, are planted on deep gravel hilltops.

2015 was a year blessed by ideal weather conditions. The winter wet weather built up water reserves, while the warmer months brought on an early budburst. In April, the warm days alternated with cool nights, ensuring good growth development. The flowering was consistent. It was particularly hot, dry and sunny in June and July, bringing about water stress that was beneficial to ripening the grapes as the vine stopped its growth. The restorative rains at the end of July sped up maturation, which then benefitted by the cooler conditions in August and September, resulting in an optimal crop of grapes. The vineyard was in perfect shape during the harvests. The harvests, done by hand, were followed by a double selection on a vibrating table before and after destemming. Vatting over about three weeks. Ageing in French oak barrels (75% new).

Deep purple colour, with a classic, precise nose of blackcurrant, mint, cedar and cigar box. The palate is very elegant, with pure cassis layered by notes of incense, camphor and clove. The tannins are ripe and clearly defined, providing a balancing structure to the fruit profile. This wine is understated elegance defined.

Colour
The colour is an intense red.

Nose
The nose exhales a beautifully fresh fragrance of fruit (black fruit, blackcurrant), spice and floral notes (violet).

Palate
A full and precise attack precedes a palate combining structure and balance. As the tasting progresses an enticing complexity is unveiled, with strong tannins still keeping a refreshing liveliness as well as a beautiful linger.

Swathed in spicy and toasty oak aromas, this has a wealth of superbly expressed red and dark berries, flowers and mint. The palate delivers a very assertive and energetic array of dark berries and spiced plums with a fresh, focused, vibrant finish. Superb wine. Try from 2023. - James Suckling, 96 Points.

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Country - France
Region - Bordeaux
Vintage - 2015
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%