2006 Ch. Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac

As the beaming François-Xavier Borie reminisced about welcoming an unknown wine writer called Robert Parker to his estate in 1978 (yes, he was unknown once) we thoroughly enjoyed his extremely stylish 2006. Focused red fruit on the nose is followed by a concentrated and silky palate in perfect harmony and balance. With more Cabernet Franc than usual in the blend, there is a sweetness and minty edge to the red and black fruit and a suppleness to the tannins that is all too rare in 2006. This continues the return to form of the 2005 in fine fashion.

While not at the level of the phenomenal 2005, Grand-Puy-Lacoste has produced another classic wine with the creme de cassis fruit that I often find in both Mouton Rothschild and Pontet-Canet, yet both of those vineyards are closer to the Gironde River. This wine has a pure personality, with the aforementioned classic creme de cassis notes, medium to full body, beautiful density, purity, texture, and length. If anything, this recalls a hypothetical blend of their brilliant 1995 and 1996. Tannins are elevated, so patience will be required. This was Xavier Borie’s first vintage in his new state-of-the-art winemaking facility.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Feb 09)