2006 Grand Puy Lacoste
By Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste
2006 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux
In the realm of Pauillac Bordeaux, the 2006 vintage has crafted its own narrative of excellence, often overshadowed by its illustrious predecessor. However, keen enthusiasts and astute investors alike would do well to pay meticulous attention to the 2006 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste. This particular vintage articulates the resilience and robust character that the region is revered for.
A Testament to Tenacity
The 2006 harvest in Pauillac was one of tenacity and surprise. Cool, dry late-summer weather led to a prolonged growing season, allowing grapes to develop full phenolic maturity while retaining laudable acidity. As such, the 2006 Grand Puy Lacoste exhibits a charming juxtaposition of intensity and elegance—a hallmark of top-tier investment-grade wines.
Refined Complexity Meets Enduring Structure
Diving into the glass, one is greeted with an aromatic patchwork woven from dark currants and hints of cedar, typical of exemplary Pauillac offerings. As it breathes, subtle strokes of graphite emerge, nodding to the terroir's charm. On the palate, this wine expresses a refined complexity with tannins that are present yet supple, underpinning a robust structure that assures considerable longevity—a critical factor for collectors aiming for peak maturation.
The integration of fruit and earthy undertones in this vintage whispers of sage patience, with a confident prediction that time will only heighten its aristocratic poise. In tasting the 2006 Grand Puy Lacoste, one uncovers layers that reveal themselves unhurriedly. It is an orchestration that entices revisitation year upon year.
In conclusion, for wine investors and connoisseurs seeking a testament to the enduring appeal of Pauillac vintages while also ensuring potential value appreciation, the 2006 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste stands as a compelling chapter within Bordeaux's storied tapestry. With correct cellaring conditions, those investing in this articulate expression will find themselves privy to a graceful evolution over the coming years.
Market price (GBP)
£580.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
41.43
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. One of those wines that sulks at being poured blind in this beauty pageant and yet with patience it begins to accept the situation. The bouquet is curmudgeonly at first, dense and introverted with traditional blackberry, wild hedgerow and pencil box aromas. Very fine definition and lift. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grippy tannins, superb concentration with a touch of black pepper sprinkled over the dense black fruits that take aeons to unfurl. This is a brilliant wine from Xavier Borie but like all great GPL’s: think 20-years not five. Tasted January 2010.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sept 2010
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. I raved about the 2006 Château Grand Puy-Lacoste when I tasted it from barrel ten years ago. It has evolved a really quite beautiful, very classic Pauillac bouquet with vivacious blackberry, raspberry and wild mint aromas that deftly absorb the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, perhaps a more forward "GPL" than other vintages, but there is genuine fineness to the tannin and that backward finish has great precision. There is the substance to suggest that it will be a long-term Left Bank and you could probably broach it after another 3-4 years. Tasted January 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016
While not at the level of the phenomenal 2005, Grand-Puy-Lacoste has produced another classic wine with the creme de cassis fruit that I often find in both Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet, yet both of those vineyards are closer to the Gironde River. This wine has a pure personality, with the aforementioned classic creme de cassis notes, medium to full body, beautiful density, purity, texture, and length. If anything, this recalls a hypothetical blend of their brilliant 1995 and 1996. Tannins are elevated, so patience will be required. This was Xavier Borie’s first vintage in his new state-of-the-art winemaking facility. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #181 Feb 2009