2023 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac Grand Cru Classé

Winery

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the established names in Pauillac and is known for its consistent style and long aging potential. The estate has been in the hands of the Borie family since 1978, who have elevated the château through targeted investments and a clear vision. The focus is on precision in the vineyard and a classic approach in the cellar. This results in wines that remain true to their origins. You can find more information about this winery in the Winery tab.

Origin and terroir

This wine comes from Pauillac, one of the most prestigious appellations in the Médoc, located on the left bank of the Gironde. The vineyards of Grand-Puy-Lacoste are situated on a slightly elevated plateau with deep gravel soils. This stony structure ensures excellent drainage and helps the grapes ripen optimally. Beneath the gravel layer lies limestone, which contributes to freshness and balance. The proximity of the river acts as a temperature regulator, limiting extreme fluctuations and allowing the grapes to ripen gradually.

Grapes and vineyard management

The blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot. The average age of the vines is around 38 years, ensuring concentration and complexity. Careful work is carried out in the vineyard with respect for the ecosystem. Yields are deliberately kept low to enhance quality. Selection takes place both in the vineyard and in the cellar, ensuring that only the best grapes are used. Manual harvesting is standard, followed by rigorous sorting.

Vinification and aging

After the harvest, the grapes are destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Vinification focuses on extraction without excessive harshness, with regular remontage to extract color and structure. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation. This is followed by aging in French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new. The sur lie aging contributes to additional complexity and a refined texture. The aging period typically lasts 16 to 18 months, depending on the vintage.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby red color with purple accents. On the nose, blackcurrants, cassis, and plums come to the fore, complemented by notes of cedarwood, graphite, and a subtle spiciness. As the wine opens up, nuances of tobacco and a light earthy touch emerge. On the palate, the structure is firm yet refined, with ripe tannins and fresh acidity. The finish is long and layered, with a beautiful balance between fruit and wood influences.

Style and character

This Pauillac displays a classic style in which power and elegance come together. The wine is structured and has distinct tannins, yet remains accessible due to the ripeness of the fruit. There is a clear focus on balance and precision, without over-extraction. This type of wine develops well in the bottle and gains complexity after a few years of aging. The character is recognizably Médoc, with an emphasis on cassis, structure, and a light mineral undertone.

Volume

The year 2023 in Bordeaux was characterized by a relatively warm growing season with sufficient rainfall in the spring. This ensured a good start to the vegetation. The summer brought warm days and cool nights, which helped preserve freshness in the grapes. The harvest took place under favorable conditions, allowing the grapes to be picked at optimal ripeness. The result is a wine with ripe fruit, good acidity, and a balanced structure, typical of a successful year in Pauillac.

Pick up in Dordrecht?

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

Location and terroir

Pauillac is located in the north of the Haut-Médoc and benefits from a unique combination of soil and climate. The vineyards are situated on gently rolling hills with a subsoil of gravel and pebbles. These soils warm up quickly and drain water well, which is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Beneath these layers often lies limestone or clay, which provides extra structure and freshness to the wine. The nearby Gironde acts as a natural buffer against extreme weather conditions.

History

Pauillac's reputation was built in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the demand for Bordeaux wines grew strongly. The 1855 classification confirmed the region's status, with several châteaux being included as Premier and Cinquième Grand Cru Classé. This classification still plays an important role in how wines from Pauillac are judged and appreciated.

Grape varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape in Pauillac and often makes up the largest part of the blend. This grape thrives exceptionally well on the gravelly soils and produces wines with structure, tannins, and aging potential. Merlot is used to add softness and roundness, while small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot can provide extra complexity. The exact composition varies by producer, but Cabernet Sauvignon remains the backbone.

Style and character of the wines

Wines from Pauillac are known for their power, depth, and clear structure. Young wines can be firm and closed, with pronounced tannins and concentrated fruit. With aging, they develop more complex aromas such as cedarwood, tobacco, and graphite. The balance between power and finesse is characteristic. Good Pauillac combines intensity with elegance and has a long finish.

Classification and appellation requirements

Pauillac falls under the Bordeaux AOC regulations, with specific requirements for grape varieties, yields, and alcohol percentages. The best-known classification is that of 1855, which includes several châteaux from Pauillac. Within this structure, there are various levels, from Premier Grand Cru Classé to Cinquième Grand Cru Classé. This classification is historically determined and remains relevant to the market.

Order Pauillac wine online?

The wines from Pauillac are stored in a climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. You often receive a discount when picking up your order, which is immediately visible when you select 'Pick up' during checkout.