CHÂTEAU GRAND PUY LACOSTE

The 2014 Grand Puy Lacoste is superb. Dark, dense and inviting, the 2014 possesses remarkable depth and richness. Black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and tobacco all develop in the glass, but it is the overall feel that is most impressive. Silky, polished tannins nicely balance the wine's overt personality. In short, the 2014 has it all. Don't miss it. This is a knockout wine from proprietor François-Xavier Borie. Drinking range: 2020 - 2039 Rating: 95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Feb 2017)

A sleek, graphite-fueled version, with ample cassis and black cherry fruit racing along, picking up light tobacco, anise and bramble notes along the way. The fruit is vivid, presenting pleasant coiledup energy. Should age nicely. Drinking range: 2020 - 2030 Rating: 93 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Jan 2017)

The Château Grand Puy Lacoste 2014 is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot between 25 September and 9 October at 33 hectoliter per hectare. The aromatics are not as immediate as the Haut-Batailley and demand more coaxing from the glass, but that comes with the territory. It unfurls with each swirl, black fruits at first, then GPL’s trademark, graphite and gravel scents storm into the room. Leaving the glass aside for 10 minutes there is a distant tang of shucked oyster shells. The palate is understated on the entry. This is not a powerhouse Grand-Puy-Lacoste, rather one that emphasizes finesse and precision. It is almost unerringly low-key and yet there is an enormous length already in place. As usual, I suspect that its secrets (or at least some of them) will be unlocked during its barrel maturation. One of the appellation's most cerebral offerings. Drinking range: 2020 - 2045 Rating: 93-95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2015)

Vibrant and pulsating in the glass, the 2014 Grand Puy Lacoste impresses for its superb overall balance. The flavors are bright and beautifully expressive, with sweet floral notes woven throughout that give the wine much of its nuance, while the seamless, silky tannins speak to finesse. Even with all of its explosive energy, the 2014 is not an obvious or huge wine; rather it is a Pauillac that draws the taster in with its multiple shades of dimension. A wine of true class and pedigree, the Grand Puy Lacoste is shaping up to be a real gem in this vintage. Tasted twice. Rating: 92-95 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Apr 2015)

82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot. A bit richer than the Haut-Batailley. Something floral on the nose. Polished and straightforward though a little denser and longer term than its stablemate Haut Batailley. Very round and a sort of cross between Pauillac and Pomerol. In fact many of these Pauillacs are richer than many of the Pomerols in 2014. Very solid. Needs lots of time with all that tannin but very honest and a little more refined than the Pontet-Canet. Great minerally finish and lovely purity. Drinking range: 2025 - 2040 Rating: 17++ Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2015)

The nose has a strong black fruit character the start of the palate quite light and fresh. Sweeter and richer in the middle black cherry and cassis but the fresh fruit at the back lightens and balances and bring out fragrances on the finish. Drinking range: 2026 - 2036 Rating: 89-92 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Apr 2015)

The Borie family told me that they are a little exasperated that I keep talking about the value that this Pauillac fifth growth offers, to the exclusion of its other qualities, but it's true. This is a very feminine Pauillac, all grace and poise rather than muscle, with silky perfume and impressive depth of flavour. (One of Tim's Top 10 Value Reds.) Drinking range: 2020 - 2030 Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2015)

Rock-solid, with a gutsy core of plum, black currant, steeped fig and melted licorice snap, all carried by a gorgeous, charcoal-edged spine. Long, and loaded with fruit and grip. As solid as they come. Rating: 93-96 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2015)

This is a wine with a dense center, wonderful fruit, polished and refined tannins and a persistent finish. Full-bodied, long and intense. Beautiful pure cabernet character. Real wine. 82% cabernet sauvignon and 18% merlot. Higher percentage of cabernet than normal. Rating: 93-94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Mar 2015)