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Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste

Bordeaux

Address:

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, 33250 Pauillac, France

Website: 

Winemaker:

Hélène Genin

First Vintage:

1820

Accepts Visitors:

Special Request

PRESTIGE

average rating is 4 out of 5

4

Summary

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the most revered wineries nestled in the Pauillac appellation of the Bordeaux region in France. This historical estate is classified as a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru) according to the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. The Château's lineage of winemaking excellence stretches back over centuries, with its reputation for producing outstanding wines that are celebrated for their complexity, elegance, and longevity.

The picturesque estate of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste boasts a grand château that dates back to the 16th century. It is situated on a high plateau, which contributes to the grandeur of its name: "Grand-Puy" refers to the elevated position of the land within the landscape of Pauillac, whereas "Lacoste" is derived from the name of a family that owned the estate during the 19th century.

Overseeing an expansive vineyard that spans approximately 55 hectares (135 acres), the terroir of Grand-Puy-Lacoste is characterized by deep gravel ridges, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the distinctive quality of its wines. These gravel soils are instrumental in reflecting the sunlight onto the vines and retaining the heat, hence fostering an ideal environment for the ripening of grapes. The vineyard predominantly grows Cabernet Sauvignon, which forms the backbone of their wines, aided by a smaller proportion of Merlot and just a hint of Cabernet Franc – a typical blend that mirrors the traditional Pauillac style.

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste's commitment to quality is evident through meticulous vineyard management that includes careful selection, sustainable viticulture practices, and a limited use of chemicals, ensuring that the essence of the terroir is vividly expressed in each bottle. The estate has been managed by the Borie family since the 1970s, under whose stewardship Grand-Puy-Lacoste has seen modernization without compromising the integrity and traditions of its wines.

The wine production process is a blend of heritage and innovation, with fermentation taking place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks to maintain the purity of fruit, followed by aging in French oak barrels. The wine is known for its powerful structure, deep fruit flavors, and an impeccably balanced profile that marries ripe tannins with a lively acidity. Often featuring notes of cassis, black cherry, tobacco, and hints of cedar, the wines from Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste exude finesse and are marked by their ability to mature gracefully, developing nuanced secondary and tertiary aromas and flavors over time in the bottle.

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste's wines are a true reflection of the Pauillac appellation, and their consistent quality has earned them a loyal following among connoisseurs and collectors. A visit to this esteemed estate is not just a journey through the history of Bordeaux winemaking, but also an opportunity to experience the fusion of tradition and precision that culminates in some of the world's most distinguished and cherished wines.

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