Description

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a wine estate situated on a hillock (or puy) above the village of Bages in the Pauillac region of the Médoc. Classified as a fifth growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant grand vin is known for its velvety texture and cigar box and cassis aromas.

The vineyard is sited around the château and covers 55 hectares (136 acres) of the wider estate. It is planted 75 percent to Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 percent Merlot and 5 percent Cabernet Franc. The soil is a classic Médoc mix of layers of gravel of differing depths, mixed with sand and a little clay. This allows excellent drainage and moderates day-night fluctuations in temperature to help ripen the crop. Pauillac’s proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates weather extremes and helps to guard against frost.

Grapes are fermented in 43 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, sized to correspond to specific parcels of vines. Vats are then tasted and a blend is made before ageing. Grand-Puy-Lacoste sees 16 to 18 months in Allier oak (two-thirds new wood)

Tasting Note

The blend of Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2012 is a majority Cabernet Sauvignon (76%) which offers a nice balanced structure and illustrates the potential of the vineyard. This wine has an enticing, dark and very intense, ruby colour. The bouquet reveals aromas of ripe black fruit and cassis complemented by spicy notes with great freshness. The palate is precise and dense, evolving into charming and well-rounded tannins with good length and structure. The overall impression is one of purity and elegance. This 2012 is once again a beautiful expression of the potential held by the terroir of Grand-Puy-Lacoste, this wine will be part of the great lineage of Grand-Puy-Lacoste vintages.