Grand Puy Lacoste 2011

The dense ruby/purple-colored 2011 Grand Puy Lacoste exhibits a charming, open-knit bouquet of red and black fruits. It is a savory, medium-bodied, flavorful, well-endowed Pauillac from Xavier Borie that can be enjoyed over the next 10-15+ years.

The 2011 Grand Puy Lacoste is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. It has a slight subdued nose that demands some coaxing and eventually, perhaps reluctantly offers aromas of blackberry, wild hedgerow, sous-bois and damp tobacco. I find it missing a little vivacity and precision. The palate has a crisp, brine-tinged entry with chalky tannins. Typically masculine and austere, quite edgy and tense, the 2011 is a straight down the fairway, quintessential Pauillac with cedar and strong graphite notes on the finish. Leaving it for another five minutes, there is a cheeky scent of orange that develops in the glass and then...poof...it's gone again. This is an intriguing Pauillac that keeps you on your toes. Tasted April 2012.

The licorice, tar and spice character with dried fruits and currants impresses me. Full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish. This is even better now than from barrel. Better in 2019.

Xavier Borie consistently makes one of the finest and most classic of all Pauillacs here. Frequently GPL is a match for the top names of Pauillac but is usually cheaper en primeur. An extremely reliable property that the canny buyer should consider every year. Much of the fruit is used to make the second wine - Lacoste Borie. This is classic Pauillac made from 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. The Cabernet was picked here up until 29th September. With a really black colour, this is classic Grand Puy Lacoste. A fantastic nose of cassis, licorice, and cigar box. On the palate there is dense black fruit all the way through with well integrated tannins. Brilliant balance here and an utterly classy and refined Pauillac. Touching second growth quality this year. We were all very impressed.

The fruit on the nose is rich deep brooding black fruited but ripe. The palate has a mix of flavours some ripe black plum, firmer black cherry and the freshness of bramble. The tannins support but are ripe the mid palate supple fleshy and there is the feeling of balance and harmony.

Irrespective of the vintage, François-Xavier Borie makes some of the most under-valued wines in Pauillac. In 2011, this brilliant fifth growth has done it again, making a grand vin with elegance and restraint. A classic, claret drinker's Pauillac, with notes of incense, cassis, wood smoke and chocolate underpinned by freshness and verve. 10+ years.

Deep blackcurrant Cabernet fruit, elegant freshness and great depth, a true vineyard wine with a very good future. Drink 2017-2035