Château Grand Puy Lacoste, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2011
Xavier Borie's Grand Puy Lacoste is on a roll. A string of exquisite, muscled wines have enhanced this estates reputation still further. The 2011 does not possess the gloss, depth and complexity of the magnificent 2010; but it is an utterly charming claret full of delicious, classic Pauillac fruit. At first slightly brooding with some floral notes, graphite and blackcurrants. The palate is pure and seductive, full of suave black fruit and lots of extract. This 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot cuvee finishes with plenty of sweet fruit and refined tannins.
critic reviews
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.
Good full ruby. Fresh aromas of raspberry, cola, cinnamon, smoke and graphite. At once silky and juicy, offering good intensity and a light touch to the smoky dark berry and graphite flavors. Nicely penetrating wine with lovely vinosity and spicy, fruity persistence. Boasts lovely texture and balance, offering plenty of early appeal but with the stuffing to age and improve another ten years. This strikes me as one of the most successful Left Bank wines in 2011.
The dense ruby/purple-colored 2011 Grand Puy Lacoste exhibits a charming, open-knit bouquet of red and black fruits. It is a savory, medium-bodied, flavorful, well-endowed Pauillac from Xavier Borie that can be enjoyed over the next 10-15+ years.