2009 Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac

“I could have picked a first growth here – Pauillac has three – but this is a relatively good value fifth growth, making it accessible to more wine lovers, yet with so much signature Pauillac in its structure and flavours of pencil lead, liquorice, cassis and mint. On deep gravel terroir that’s made for Cabernet Sauvignon, and family owned by François-Xavier Borie and his daughter Emeline. Typically you wait for 10 years before opening classified Pauillac, or even longer in very structured vintages such as 2010 – but 2009 was a warm, generous year and is tasting great already. (JA)” (04/2021)

“I loved the 2009, and like most 2009s, it has a ripe, sexy, yet still classic style that's evolving gracefully, with ample darker currant and black cherry fruits as well as tobacco leaf, cedar pencil, truffly earth, and spice box-like nuances. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, with plenty of mid-palate depth and tannins, it's going to continue drinking brilliantly for another two decades. It needs an hour in a decanter if drinking any time soon.” (11/2021)

“Dark and delicately spicy this is a very complete medium-full bodied 2009 that's not a jot too ripe or too firm. Beautiful balance through the long polished finish.” (05/2019)

“The 2009 Grand Puy Lacoste is one of the great vintages from this estate in the modern era. It storms from the glass with scents of blackberry, undergrowth, cedar and mint, retaining the classicism of GPL. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious with a gorgeous, lithe, graphite infused finish that lingers in the mouth. Bon vin. (NM)” (03/2019)

“A complex, dusty tannin wine, layering smoky wood and black fruits with a the firmest dry character. Very intense, rich, dense and potentially powerful. *Cellar Selection* (RV)” (02/2012)

“This is a step up, with ample black currant confiture and roasted fig notes allied to a racy graphite and iron spine. Very sleek through the finish, despite its heft, with a long finish filled with cassis bush and tobacco. (JM)” (03/2012)

“Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2009 Grand-Puy-Lacoste opens with a nose of sweaty leather, damp earth, baked cherries and dried mulberries with touches of fried herbs, black olives and cast iron pan. Medium-bodied, firm and chewy, this is a more elegantly styled 2009 with provocative herbal sparks and a ferrous finish. (LPB)” (03/2019)

“Very sweet start. Herbal and interesting. Lots of fine tannin and savour. Very distinctive and ambitious. Slight saltiness. Massive. Long. *Good Value* 18/20 points (JR)” (02/2019)