Grand Puy Lacoste 2010 (750ML)

97 WA / 96 DE / 95 RP / 95 JS / 17.5 JR

Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru in London and subsequently at the chateau. The 2010 Grand Puy Lacoste has a wonderful bouquet that is reticent at first, probably because it was tasted just three months after bottling. But there is patently great fruit intensity here: blackcurrant and a touch of pomegranate, interwoven with graphite and sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied is underpinned by wonderful freshness and vitality, marrying the austerity of both Pauillac and the vintage, with intense rather than concentrated fruit. It offers stunning definition, the finish quintessential Pauillac – a little aloof, a little aristocratic, but utterly compelling. This will be a benchmark wine for the estate. Tasted November 2012. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Freshness and seamless elegance, with vivid, bright red and black fruit. Floral aspects evoke a sense of Margaux elegance, but the palate’s noticeable grip and backbone remind you that this is Pauillac. From vines on deep gravels, ideal for ripening the 75% plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon. Such refinement and power go with prime rib in a truffle sauce.-Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter

An absolutely magnificent wine from this very popular estate, which sits well off the Route du Vin, just to the southwest of the town of Pauillac, its classic creme de cassis and floral notes are well-displayed. The wine possesses supple tannin, a full body, voluptuous character and a layered, impressively textured mouthfeel. This is a brilliant effort from Grand Puy Lacoste that can be drunk in 4-5 years or cellared for three decades or more. - Robert Parker, 95 Points, Wine Advocate

Intense hazelnuts and blackberries on the nose follow through to a full to medium body, with chocolate and berry flavors and firm tannins. Not giving away a lot at the finish at the moment. Reserved and sophisticated. But structured and chewy. Try in 2017. - James Suckling

Tasted blind. Second bottle: smudgy deep garnet. Savoury, lots of black fruit and a charry savoury quality. Cedary too. Cool, fresh and unexpectedly elegant on the palate, refined and flowing. Sober exterior, elegant interior. And only about one-fifth of the price of first growths. -Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson