Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
Contrary to many in Bordeaux, Grand-Puy-Lacoste has had a relatively stable past. Owned by just three families in its long history, vines were first planted in the 1500s and the fine château was built around the time of the famous 1855 classifications, which saw Grand-Puy-Lacoste given Fifth Growth status. The estate takes its name from the word ‘puy’ which means small hill and its vineyards sit on gravel outcrops, as is the case with so many of the top wines of the Médoc. It has been in the hands of the Borie family since the 1970s and is now run by François-Xavier and his daughter Emeline. The 58-hectare vineyard which surrounds the château is planted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, and the resulting wine is Pauillac at its classic best.