Appellations

Grand Puy Lacoste 2013

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2013 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, wild strawberry and cedar fruit, nicely composed and delineated, not complex but harmonious. As usual, there is a conservative element to the aromatics in keeping with this estate's style. The palate is medium-bodied with appreciable mineralité on the entry. I like the edginess here, the framework and in particular the finesse that is not always apparent at Grand-Puy-Lacoste, at least at this early juncture. It might not be a long-term proposition, but it is certainly one of the finest Pauillac wines of the vintage courtesy of Xavier and Emeline Borie.

Score: 90 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2030 Date: 28 October 2016

The Grand Puy Lacoste is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot picked at 31hl/ha from 30 September until 11 October, matured in 75% new oak. It has a fragrant red berry fruit on the nose: raspberry leaf and cranberry, undergrowth and a touch of tobacco. It is very classic G.P.L. style but dialled down from previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and well judged acidity, harmonious with cedar and tobacco on the finish. There is not the usual structure compared to recent vintages, although it is cohesive and for want of a better word...honest. And what more can you ask from a wine?

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 01 April 2014

Racy and nicely put together, with plum, red currant and iron notes in lock step, while plum pit and savory details line the finish. A singed cedar hint supports the finish. Well done.

Score: 89 - 92 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2014

Deep colour and finely expressed fruit, cassis with a little spice, very Cabernet, dense but lifted, good middle fruit, good future. (90+ Points)

Score: 90 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2018-2028 Date: 01 April 2014

A firm, fresh wine with currant, chalk and mineral character. Medium body, firm tannins and a crisp finish. Fine texture to this.

Score: 89 - 90 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2014

Dark subdued nose of berries, blackberry leaf and cedar. Gentle and restrained with a creamy texture and a chewy black firm fruit finish.

Score: 89 - 92 Albany Vintners, - Date: 01 April 2014

The 2013 Grand Puy Lacoste is terrific. Graphite, smoke, tobacco and licorice burst onto the palate, followed by layers of dark, inviting fruit. Supremely classy from start to finish, the 2013 impresses for its energy, balance and pure, mineral-driven cut. The 2013 is by no means a huge wine, but it is super-polished to the core. Tasted twice. (90-92+ Points)

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2014

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Vibrant purple. Compact, tight nose, but superbly supple on the palate, sieved tannins, milk chocolate, just a little bit light on the finish. Very attractive and sensitively made, very powerful, very Pauillac. (17+)

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2033 Date: 01 April 2014