Grand Puy Lacoste 2013

The 2013 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, wild strawberry and cedar fruit, nicely composed and delineated, not complex but harmonious. As usual, there is a conservative element to the aromatics in keeping with this estate's style. The palate is medium-bodied with appreciable mineralité on the entry. I like the edginess here, the framework and in particular the finesse that is not always apparent at Grand-Puy-Lacoste, at least at this early juncture. It might not be a long-term proposition, but it is certainly one of the finest Pauillac wines of the vintage courtesy of Xavier and Emeline Borie.

The Grand Puy Lacoste is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot picked at 31hl/ha from 30 September until 11 October, matured in 75% new oak. It has a fragrant red berry fruit on the nose: raspberry leaf and cranberry, undergrowth and a touch of tobacco. It is very classic G.P.L. style but dialled down from previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and well judged acidity, harmonious with cedar and tobacco on the finish. There is not the usual structure compared to recent vintages, although it is cohesive and for want of a better word...honest. And what more can you ask from a wine? Tasted April 2014.