2018 Grand Puy Lacoste
By Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste
2018 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The revered estate of Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste brought forth an expression in the 2018 Grand Puy Lacoste that resonates with the characteristic elegance and structure of Pauillac. This vintage is a symphony orchestrated by nature and human touch – a medley that culminates in a wine poised for growth in both stature and investment potential.
A Vintage of Valor
Bordeaux’s 2018 vintage translated to a challenging yet rewarding year, marked by a stellar end to the growing season. The 2018 Grand Puy Lacoste encapsulates that transition with a fine balance between power and finesse that only a grounded estate like Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste can harness. This was a year where the mettle of vineyard management was truly tested, and this Chateau's historical mastery shone through, bringing to bear grapes befitting fine wine.
Pauillac's Profound Palette: The 2018 Emblem
In the glass, the 2018 Grand Puy Lacoste exudes an opulent bouquet that intertwines ripe blackcurrants with subtle notes of violets, emblematic of its esteemed Pauillac roots. Yet, it is the wine's core that sings—a rich tapestry woven with dense, plummy fruit cloaked in layers of nuanced toasty oak and graphite-like tannins.
The palate is graced with impeccable craftsmanship showcasing ripe tannins—a testament to the gentle extraction practised at the estate. The climatic conditions have emboldened this wine with a robust constitution, yet it retains a fresh acidity beckoning longevity and suggesting a prime candidate for cellaring amidst one's treasured investments.
Concluding Notes: A Perspicuous Investment
For enthusiasts perusing potential additions to their portfolio, the 2018 Grand Puy Lacoste offers an acute sense of place mated with a vintage character that charms upon release but will unfurl even more mesmerising complexity over time. Reflecting upon my extensive palette history, this particular vintage from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste stands out as one crafted for the discerning collector—a remarkable specimen from an exceptional year, destined to delight with maturation.
Market price (USD)
$640.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
32.5
Scores and tasting notes
This captures the style of the vintage to a T, with vividly ripe cassis and plum fruit, carried by solidly built but fine-grained structure. Lots of graphite and tobacco accents hang in the background for now. A firmly grounded wine.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
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
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
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 - April 2019
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 - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
The 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste displays a deep garnet-purple color and slowly emerging notes of ripe blackberries, blackcurrant pastilles and redcurrant jelly plus hints of cedar, underbrush, cinnamon stick and potpourri. The medium-bodied palate has well-managed, slightly chewy tannins and a refreshing line lifting the black and red berry layers, finishing earthy.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021