Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2015

A Pauillac wine, fresh and aromatic

The estate

Built in the 16th century, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste took on its present structure in 1855. The estate was owend by Raymond Dupin from 1930 to 1978. He then sold the property to the Borie family in 1978 who have since carried out numerous renovations. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is today one of the most representative wines of the Pauillac appellation, located on Bordeaux's Left Bank.

The vineyard

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a Pauillac wine from a vineyard of 90 hectares, of which 58 belong to a single piece of land. The vines, on average 38 years old, are planted on deep gravel hilltops.

The vintage

2015 was a year blessed by ideal weather conditions. The winter wet weather built up water reserves, while the warmer months brought on an early budburst. In April, the warm days alternated with cool nights, ensuring good growth development. The flowering was consistent.
It was particularly hot, dry and sunny in June and July, bringing about water stress that was beneficial to ripening the grapes as the vine stopped its growth.
The restorative rains at the end of July sped up maturation, which then benefitted by the cooler conditions in August and September, resulting in an optimal crop of grapes. The vineyard was in perfect shape during the harvests.

Winemaking and ageing

The harvests, done by hand, were followed by a double selection on a vibrating table before and after destemming. Vatting over about three weeks. Ageing in French oak barrels (75% new).

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (74%)
Merlot (23%)
Cabernet franc (3%).

Characteristics and tasting tips for Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2015

Tasting

Colour
The colour is an intense red.

Nose
The nose exhales a beautifully fresh fragrance of fruit (black fruit, blackcurrant), spice and floral notes (violet).

Palate
A full and precise attack precedes a palate combining structure and balance. As the tasting progresses an enticing complexity is unveiled, with strong tannins still keeping a refreshing liveliness as well as a beautiful linger.