Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste 5eme Cru Classe, Pauillac 2015

Juicy but understated, with Pauillac scrape and intensity, appellation signature in a glass - cassis bud, cocoa bean, graphite, bilberry, crushed mint, tobacco, saffron. There is enough weight and definition to the tannins to suggest that it will age well from here, but a good carafe will bring it into its drinking window. A definite standout and one to look out for. 75% new oak for ageing.

The 2015 Grand Puy Lacoste is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Sensual, polished and refined, the 2015 is all class. Silky tannins, perfumed aromatics and beautifully delineated fruit are some of the signatures. The natural richness of the year comes through nicely, but without overpowering the wine's mid-weight sense of structure. This is a fabulous example of the year.

Very good fragrance and florality – the typical slatey, stony Grand-Puy-Lacoste style shows even more precision and grip than usual, with wonderful middle fruit richness. Will make a really classic claret.
Drink: 2022-2040

Very good fragrance and florality – the typical slatey, stony Grand-Puy-Lacoste style shows even more precision and grip than usual, with wonderful middle fruit richness. Will make a really classic claret.

The 2015 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has a conservative, complex yet reserved nose with tobacco- and graphite-tinged black fruit aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. It is a little drier than some peers though this has held on to its smooth texture. This is just a little meatier on the finish than I recall. I am a massive fan of GPL and though I admire this, I would not include it amongst the greats of recent years. Alas, the bottle at Farr's 10-Year-On a couple of weeks later was corked. Tasted at the 2015 Ten-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index.

The 2015 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is medium garnet-purple colored with a nose of red and black currants, cedar chest and roses with a touch of dusty earth. The medium-bodied mouth is chewy, with lively fruit and good balance.