The grand vin from the Pauillac branch of the Borie family opens with a dense and smoky nose, with dark and concentrated fruits laced with violets, dark chocolate and a delicately mineral, graphite vein. Nicely polished on the palate, with a texture of pure velvet, although within this there is a dry and upright grip which gives it a savoury drive. It feels almost juicy and certainly joyous through the middle, before it yields to a finish of grippy and peppery tannin. This is simmering with future potential;a very impressive Grand-Puy-Lacoste indeed.

Milk chocolate, blackcurrants, some cinnamon ,floral spice notes, cedar, touch of liquorice. Smooth and supple, lovely energy and vibrancy here, really quite high-toned and in focus, lovely precision to the details here - the tannins are firm, slightly coarse and grainy but do so well to give the structure in the mouth - really give the frame while the flavour and the acidity does the talking. I like the combination of fruit and texture and acidity, feels serious while maintaining energy, focus and drive. Lovely lightness of touch, flows along the palate, I also love the red fruit aspects - strawberry, red cherry, bright, seering, really so joyful here with acidity that lasts and lasts. But a lovely crunch and bite to the tannins overall and lovely fresh ending. Long. wide, open, generous and friendly. Finessed and refined. True signature here where they don’t push too hard, not too heavy on the extraction. (GH)

A transparent and clear young Pauillac with blackcurrant, mushroom, chocolate, and wet earth. Full-bodied, layered and flavorful with fine, velvety tannins. Plenty of graphite and blue fruit at the end.