| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Pauillac |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Xavier Borie and his daughter Emeline consistently make one of the finest and most classic of all Pauillacs here. It has been owned by the Borie family since 1978. Frequently GPL is a match for the top names of Pauillac but is usually cheaper en primeur. The 60 hectare vineyard is in one contiguous plot that surrounds the château and is planted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Much of the fruit is used to make the second wine - Lacoste Borie. This is a a very popular château at Farr Vintners - both with our customers and staff.
The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the vintage's successes, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis and raspberries mingled with notions of violets, rose petals, pencil shavings and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, with a deep, layered core of pure fruit framed by ripe acids and sweet tannins, its suave, charming profile means that it will offer a broad drinking window. A slightly lower percentage of new oak, with lighter toasts, is reflected in better barrel integration out of the gates. Drink 2027-2047.
A healthy yield here of 40 hl/ha and the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon ever in the blend of the grand vin at 85%. They will again produce, on request, cases containing 1 double magnum, 2 magnums and 4 bottles. Deep ruby-purple colour. Fresh blackcurrant and ripe black cherry on the nose together with subtle, savoury spices from the wood. The palate has a sappy, savoury, moreish edge to the black fruit at the core, complemented by fine but grippy, persistent tannins. Weightlessly intense, this is a wine of fantastic harmony and effortless balance. Compact but driven, this is a finely etched wine that shines a light on the positive elements of 2021. It proves that much of the joy of Bordeaux comes in its refinement, elegance and depth, rather than raw power. Fine.
Very fine and polished tannins with lovely balance and beauty. Blackberries, blackcurrants and a creamy texture. Lovely finesse and focus. There’s delicacy and beauty to this. 85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% merlot.
Traditional and clasic Pauillac character, a little more old school than usual, certainly than the last few years. Plum, cassis, cocoa bean and liqourice keep things firm, with straight-laced tannins tight and pulled in. Will soften further over ageing, and no question that this is delivering appellation typicity. Tasted twice. 75% new oak, harvest September 24 to October 8.
The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a beauty, bursting with aromas of dark berries, plums, rose petals, violets, warm spices and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's fleshy and enveloping, with melting tannins, succulent acids and a pleasure-bent, demonstrative personality. While it's clear that this is an irresistibly charming, satisfying Pauillac from the Borie family, it wouldn't surprise me to see it acquire additional depth, flesh and seriousness with further barrel maturation.
