2011 Château Grand Puy Lacoste, 5th Growth Pauillac, Bordeaux, France

The 10 year window for this wine, and it has softened up a little even over the past 6 months since I tasted it for 10 Years On. Sculpted, a little austere, and majors on the rose bud, cassis bud and ash aromatics that suggest a cooler vintage - this year was extremely dry for much of it, but not hot. Juicy redcurrant and blackcurrant fruits, a classic Grand Puy Lacoste in the line of 2014 and 2016, ticking plenty of house-style boxes, making it a great choice for lovers of this estate. No need to wait too long from now, although it will hold. Harvest 15 to 29 September.

Our thoughts

Grand Puy Lacoste is a fifth growth but performs way above that level. This is classic Pauillac, rich with cassis and cedar tones and super fine tannins. The palate is ripe and quite sweet on the entry, good body, even a bit viscous in texture with a plush and generous, lightly spiced finish. Thoroughly enjoyable!