Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 1982

This is a tour de force, and one of the all-time great Grand-Puy-Lacostes ever produced, as I hope the 2000 and 2005 will become. This is an inky/purple, beefy, broad, super-rich Pauillac revealing classic creme de cassis notes intermixed with hints of spring flowers and crushed rocks. Full-bodied with sweet tannin, shocking concentration, and layers of fruit, this irresistible 1982 is still an adolescent in terms of its evolution. Anticipated maturity: now-2035. Release price: ($85.00/case)

The 1982 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a vintage that I have enjoyed many times, and this is another great example. There is just a light bricking on the rim. The nose is mature, with blackberry, pencil box and a touch of pressed rose petals. The palate has backbone and grip, tropes of this Pauillac Grand Cru Classé. Perhaps it is a little “correct” and straightforward on the entry, but aeration benefits it no end; harmonious and structured with a touch of spice on the finish. So youthful, given that it is now 43 years old… or young! At point. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London.