2018 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Cru Classé Pauillac

2018 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Cru Classé Pauillac

This is Francois-Xavier’s 40th year at the helm, and in 2018 GPL has lovely depth and minerality, amazing texture and fine dark crunchy fruit. Very long and impressive. Love the density here, very dark crunchy fruit and lovely finesse. Lasts for minutes. So much intensity and finesse on the finish.

Critic score
94.25/100 info

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Wine details

  • Region & country
    Pauillac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
  • Grape
    78% Cabernet Sauvignon
    22% Merlot
  • Maturity
    Ready 2024 - 2045info
  • Colour
    Red
  • Sweetness
    Dry
  • Style
    Still
  • Unit Volume
    Bottle (75cl.)
  • ABV
    14%
  • Classification
    Cru Classé (Medoc & Sauternes)

Tasting notes

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is scented of warm blackcurrants, black cherries, spice box, florals and chocolate box with a menthol hint. Full-bodied, the palate is rich, plush and generous, finishing long and perfumed.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (April 2019)
(92—94+)/100

Another success from Grand-Puy-Lacoste – it’s bright and full of juice, prioritising vibrancy over power. As such, it has a touch less Pauillac typicity than in the absolutely brilliant 2016 vintage at this estate, although as it unfurls through the palate you do get the menthol, cassis and smoked cedar that is just such a beautiful sign of ripe Cabernet up in this corner of the world. They were extremely careful with extraction because of the high alcohols, so grapes underwent the shortest maceration to date with no pumping over just an infusion during the extraction process. Harvest took place between 21 September and 5 October. 12% press wine. 75% new oak used. A yield of 40hl/ha.

Jane Anson, Decanter (April 2019)
(95)/100

This is a deep and beautiful 2018 with blackcurrant, wet-earth and fresh-tobacco undertones. Full-bodied, tight and polished. Gorgeous finish. The tannins kick in at the end. Fine texture.

James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (April 2019)
(94—95)/100

A wine of precision, energy and nuance, the 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fabulous. Freshly cut flowers, mint and sweet red berry fruit grace this exquisite, nuanced Pauillac. Medium in body, understated and classy, Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the highlights of the year. In a word: impeccable. The 2018 is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot from yields of 40 hectoliters per hectare.

Antonio Galloni, vinous.com (April 2019)
(93—96)/100

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