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.

The 2011 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a Bordeaux Blend from the Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by Grand-Puy-Lacoste, this red wine is composed of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. The estate vineyards span 55 hectares and are planted in deep gravel soil. The wine was aged for 16 to 18 months in 75% new French oak barrels and has an alcohol content of 13.5%. Harvesting occurred between September 15th and 29th, 2011, under the consultation of Jacques and Eric Boissenot.

The wine presents a very dark, almost opaque color. John Sweeney of JJ Buckley describes it as "very primary on the nose," and the palate as offering "a very juicy frame of black and purple fruits and a chalky texture." He also notes its "good balanced acidity," culminating in a "long lingering finish." Sweeney suggests enjoying this wine between 2017 and 2027, rating it at 91 points.

Wine Spectator also awards it 91 points, highlighting its "fresh floral style with violet and sandalwood notes up front," followed by "a core of plum, bergamot, and cherry sauce flavors." The publication notes a "lightly dusty finish," suggesting the wine has "some weight in reserve" and potential to "flesh out more."

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, represented by Robert M. Parker, Jr., echoes the sentiment with another 91-point score. Parker describes the wine as "dense ruby/purple-colored" with "a charming, open-knit bouquet of red and black fruits." He characterizes it as "savory, medium-bodied, flavorful," and well-suited for consumption over the next 10-15 years.

James Suckling gives the highest score of 93 points, praising its "licorice, tar, and spice character with dried fruits and currants." He notes its "full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish," stating it is "better in 2019."

Decanter also rates the wine at 93 points, emphasizing the "savoury, floral edge of Cabernet on gravel." The review mentions the wine's "smoky side" and "lean but concentrated berry fruit," with tannins described as "a little crunchy." Decanter calls it a "very classic Pauillac, full of pencil lead and crushed stone."

Wine Enthusiast’s Roger Voss awards the wine 92 points, highlighting its "fruity, forward style" and "ripe black currants." He notes a "strong Cabernet character" and describes it as "dry initially, then followed by juiciness." Voss advises drinking it from 2017, indicating it is "not for long-term aging."

Overall, the 2011 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is well-received by critics, praised for its complexity, balanced acidity, and potential for aging, with scores ranging from 91 to 93 points.