The 2011 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a classic, structured Pauillac that reflects the elegance and precision of the estate’s terroir. Dominated by 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, it opens with notes of black fruits, licorice, and spice, evolving with air to reveal smoky, mineral undertones. The palate is full-bodied and balanced, with firm yet refined tannins and a savory, persistent finish. Approachable now but still with years of life ahead, this vintage offers a refined expression of Grand-Puy-Lacoste’s signature style.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 93
Published: Feb 18, 2014

The licorice, tar and spice character with dried fruits and currants impresses me. Full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish. This is even better now than from barrel. Better in 2019.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Feb 19, 2021
Drink: 2021-2038

The savoury, floral edge of Cabernet on gravel is fully on display, and it needs time in the glass to soften and unroll. After a few minutes, the smoky side comes out, and the lean but concentrated berry fruit, although the tannins are a little crunchy. Delicious, a very classic Pauillac, full of pencil lead and crushed stone. 75% new oak.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 13.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon 22% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Apr 30, 2014
Drink: 2014-2029

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.

Chateau-grand-puy-lacoste.com

Blend
78% Cabernet Sauvignon - 22% Merlot

Tasting note
Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2011 owes its structure and style, yet again, to a significant majority of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) which reflects the richness and potential of our terroir.
Its color is a deep and intense red. The bouquet releases the typical aromas of black fruits and blackcurrant with added spices. The attack on the palate is pronounced, showing a structure that is both elegant and balanced.
All together the wine allies finesse, freshness and persistence. We find this wine very much in the idiom of the fine vintages of Grand-Puy-Lacoste where elegance aligns with tannins which are both ripe and suave.

Total surface area of the estate: 90 hectares around the Château
Vineyard in production: 55 hectares in one block around the Château
Average age of the vineyard: 38 years old
Terroir: Very deep coarse gravel
Vineyard grape varieties: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon - 20% Merlot - 5% Cabernet Franc
Planting density: 10 000 vines/hectares
Grafting: Riparia gloire & 101.14
Vineyard management: Mechanical ploughing of the soil Viticulture practices: Spraying kept to the absolute effective minimum
Harvest: Exclusively hand picked
Grape sorting: Two successive selections before and after the de-stemming process
Vinification: A long period of maceration (about 3 weeks)
Aging: In French oak barrels (75% new barrels each vintage) for between 16 to 18 months depending on the vintage.
Owner: M. François-Xavier BORIE
Cellar Master: M. Philippe GOUZE