1978 Grand-Puy-Lacoste Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 750ML
Reg: $189.94
$159.94
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REVIEWS

WA 90
WA 90

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, August 1993

This is one of the few 1978 Medocs that has not exhibited an increased herbaceousness as it has evolved. The 1978 Grand-Puy-Lacoste remains dark ruby/purple-colored with a bouquet offering scents of cassis smoke and...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Pauillac
Vintage 1978
Size 750ML

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste, one of the oldest properties in the Medoc, has a long history dating back to the 16th century. It was under ownership of a single family for generations, until sold by the Lacoste family in 1920 and finally acquired by the Borie family in 1978.

The name Grand-Puy comes from the ancient term “puy” which means “hillock, small height”. True to its name, the vineyard of Grand-Puy-Lacoste sits on outcrops that rise to around 20 meters above sea level.

Long before the 1855 Classification, Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste’s reputation was recognized for quality. In 1776, Saint Guirons & Lacoste (its name at that time) was ranked fifth in a classification of Pauillac estates by the King's Intendant in Aquitaine, Dupre de Saint-Maur. The estate’s reputation for quality grew and the Bordeaux Classification made the “fifth growth” ranking official, placing it among the “elite” of Bordeaux wines.

Since 1978, Francois-Xavier Borie has guided Grand-Puy-Lacoste's fortunes. Major investments were made and restorations and renovations were undertaken. 58 hectares of the estate’s 90 hectares are planted with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.

Today, with the help of his eldest daughter, Emeline, Francois-Xavier Borie has raised Grand-Puy-Lacoste to the level of a "great Pauillac" and ensures that it maintains that status. Among Pauillac wines, Grand-Puy-Lacoste is considered "a great classic”, capable of aligning its consistent character with the spirit of each vintage.

The wines of Grand-Puy-Lacoste have a beautiful, deep color and the aromas are very pure and complex, subtle and refined. Depending on the vintage, one's first impression may be of ripe fruit or flowers, often toasted notes, spice and vanilla. With time it develops a remarkably full, rich character.

In the mouth one is struck by its elegant individuality. The flavors support and amplify its aromatic sensations with a notably large range of fruit, particularly cassis, which develops with age. The wines are well-built, with powerful tannic structure which never loses its silky smoothness.

By nature a wine for long aging, Grand-Puy-Lacoste needs between eight and ten years to reveal its full potential.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather around as I unveil to you a true gem from the esteemed Bordeaux region of France. Behold, the 1978 Grand-Puy-Lacoste, a Bordeaux Blend that epitomizes elegance and finesse. This exceptional vintage hails from the Pauillac sub-region, known for producing some of the world's finest wines.

In the glass, this wine reveals a mesmerizing deep ruby hue, hinting at the maturity it has achieved over the years. The nose is a captivating symphony of aromas, with the fragrance of cassis, intertwined with wisps of smoke and earth. It is a delightful reminder of the expertise and skill that went into crafting this masterpiece.

On the palate, the 1978 Grand-Puy-Lacoste showcases its medium to full-bodied nature, embracing you with its refined structure and velvety tannins. Each sip is a harmonious dance of flavors, where the authoritative notes of this wine gracefully intertwine with elegance. The cassis, once again, takes center stage, accompanied by subtle hints of smoke and earth, creating a symphony of taste that lingers on the palate.

What sets this particular vintage apart is its ability to resist the common fate of increased herbaceousness as it ages. It has defied the odds, standing as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Grand-Puy-Lacoste estate. While it is approaching its maturity, it still possesses the potential to age gracefully for another 10-12 years, if not more.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 90 points, further solidifying its status as a true Bordeaux masterpiece. His tasting note describes the wine as combining elegance with authoritative flavors, a true testament to the artistry of the winemaker.

Indulge in the magic of the 1978 Grand-Puy-Lacoste, a wine that encapsulates the essence of Bordeaux and invites you on a journey of sophistication and pleasure.