2018 - Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac

The 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fabulous, just as it was from barrel. Strong Cabernet inflections soar out of the glass, giving the wine a compelling aromatic profile laced with the essence of graphite, dried herbs, menthol and dark fruit. One of the most classic (for lack of a better word) wines in the Left Bank in 2018, Grand-Puy-Lacoste is super-impressive right out of the gate. Grand-Puy-Lacoste is ultimately a wine of tremendous class that remains restrained and aristocratic in breeding. Don't miss it.

Hard to go wrong with recent vintages of Grand Puy Lacoste. This doesn't quite hit the strides of 2016 or 2019, but for me is more successful than either 2015 or 2017. This is full of Pauillac classicism in its cassis, slate and cedar mix, with sweet black cherry fruits through the mid palate that reflect the warmth of the vintage but balanced by crushed mint and eucalyptus on the finish. You can relax with this one - it's easily got another few decades in it. Harvest 21 September and 5 October. 12% press wine. 75% new oak. A yield of 40hl/ha.

Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2018 is deep garnet-purple in color. It strides boldly out of the glass with notions of baked blackberries, plum preserves, and warm cassis, plus hints of unsmoked cigars, cedar, and bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegant with grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory.

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.

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot. 40 hl/ha.Deep colour. Big and brooding. Suave, full and round on the palate with plenty of matière. Plentiful tannins swathed in the fruit. Slight glow on the dry finish. Bit of a bruiser but should last the course. (JL)