Grand Puy Lacoste 2009

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The Grand Puy Lacoste '09 has a slightly more reticent nose against its peers, but no less intriguing with aromas of blackberry, pencil shavings, a touch of undergrowth and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with a dash of spice on the entry. The build is more immediate here, a wave of intense black fruits crashing across the palate that tingles with glee long after the wine is ejected. This is a long-term wine that will repay a decade at least in the cellar. (94+)

Score: 94

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 31 July 2013

Tasted at the château. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc picked the between the 24th September and 7th October. The nose is introverted and broody at first, hints of seaweed inflecting the pure black fruits. Very minerally - lots of character here. The palate is medium -bodied, the tannins a little firmer and structure than other Pauillacs, which is exactly in keeping with the estate’s style. Lovely poise on the finish, wonderful focus and edginess with a savoury note on the finish. Insistent grip. Superb persistency and yet typically conservative in its youth. No doubt it will demand at least ten years cellaring, but it will be worth the wait. Tasted March 2010.

Score: 94 - 96

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 March 2010

Performing better from bottle than it did from cask (and comparable to their wines 2005, 2000, 1990 and 1982), this is a great classic from Xavier Borie’s estate situated on the back roads west of the town of Pauillac. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by hints of spring flowers, crushed rocks, black currants, cedar and earth/underbrush. Precise and elegant as well as backward and foreboding, it should put on weight in the bottle and evolve for two decades. Very concentrated as well as velvety-textured, it is a beauty of finesse, balance, purity and nobility. It will benefit from 5-7 more years of bottle age.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 March 2012

I was surprised that this wine was not more concentrated given the overall character of the vintage, and I would rate it behind the 2005, 2000, 1990, and 1982. Nevertheless, it boasts this estate’s classic creme de cassis character as well as a soft, round, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, pure fruit, and silky tannins, but not the weight, depth, or profound concentration of the top 2009 Pauillacs. Still, this cuvee will be approachable young, and should evolve easily for two decades. (Tasted two times.)

Score: 91 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2030 01 April 2010

Complex and decadent. Blackberries and black currants, with fresh herbs on the nose. Tea too. Full body, with soft tannins and an earthy finish. Juicy wine. Turns to pure black currants. Best in 2018.

Score: 95

James Suckling, - Maturity: 2018+ 15 February 2012

Lovely nose of sweet currant and blueberry that follows through to a full body, with juicy, velvety tannins and a licorice, tar and dark chocolate finish. Like it. The new 1982?

Score: 94 - 97

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2010

Purple ruby. Smoky blackberry, blueberry juice, chocolate and a whiff of iron on the nose. With air, this became silky, pliant and rather easygoing, with good depth to the flavors of small dark berries and flint. Finishes with creamy tannins, good vinosity and sneaky length. Almost too easy to drink presently: should it develop more complexity, weight and depth, my score will look ungenerous.

Score: 88 - 91

Ian D'Agata, International Wine Cellar 01 May 2010

Very firm and taut and Pauillac - less luscious than some 2009s. Very fresh and with real vigour and rigour. Lovely rich velvety stuff.

Score: 17 - 18

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2035 23 April 2010

With Xavier Borie in charge at this historic Classed Growth, quality is consistently very good indeed. Classically Pauillac with traditionally reasonable prices. Rich nose of blackberry and spice box. Medium bodied with delicate cherry fruits and slightly medicinal notes and cedar. Good balancing freshness and length.

Score: 91 - 94

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2010