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 2012 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed Pauillac region in Bordeaux, France. This wine is a fifth-growth Pauillac that consistently performs at a much higher level, making it a favorite among consumers. With its deep, ruby red color, this wine exudes elegance and sophistication.

On the nose, the 2012 Grand-Puy-Lacoste reveals the classic, tell-tale crème de cassis aroma, along with hints of bluer fruits and floral notes. As you take a sip, you'll experience a medium-bodied wine with ripe tannins and beautiful fruit flavors. The low acidity of this wine gives it an up-front appeal, making it enjoyable to drink now or cellar for another 12-15+ years.

Renowned wine critic Robert Parker describes this wine as having a ripe tannin structure, which is complemented by its beautiful fruit flavors and low acidity. Neal Martin's Wine Journal notes the wine's wonderful focus and fresh, refined finish, as well as its attractive symmetry. Wine Spectator praises the wine's well-built structure and its remarkable density, without the austere twinge often associated with the vintage.

The 2012 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a standout Left Bank wine of the vintage, according to Vinous. It boasts an impressive cassis-tinged bouquet, with fresh tobacco and graphite infused black fruit. Wine Enthusiast also praises this wine for its spicy fruit, intensely ripe blackberry flavors, and solid tannins.

This wine has the potential to age and improve, thanks to its firm tannic backbone. It offers a fine Cabernet concentration, according to Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider. Decanter describes this wine as a joy to drink, with its purity of fresh fruit and refined silky texture.

Overall, the 2012 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a well-crafted Bordeaux Blend that showcases the best qualities of the Pauillac region. Its depth of flavors, elegant structure, and potential for aging make it a highly sought-after wine among wine enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed now or in the years to come, this wine is sure to impress with its complexity and finesse.