Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2025

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a classed-growth estate in Pauillac, in Bordeaux, taking its name from the low gravel hill the property owns. The wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The gravel mound at the heart of the estate drains quickly and holds warmth, which suits Cabernet Sauvignon and drives the ripe blackcurrant fruit and firm tannin that mark the wine. Free-draining stony soils and the moderating influence of the Gironde give balance and consistency across vintages. The wine is aged for 18 months in 225 litre French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange and new wood soften tannin and add cedar, pencil shavings and a touch of cocoa that knit together over time. The colour is deep ruby to garnet. The nose shows blackcurrant and dark berries over cedar and pencil shavings. The palate is structured and savoury, with ripe fruit, firm tannin and a long, earthy finish. It is built to age. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees and decant for a couple of hours while young. Pair it with roast and grilled red meat and aged hard cheese.