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 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a red Bordeaux blend from the esteemed Pauillac sub-region in Bordeaux, France. Produced by Grand-Puy-Lacoste, this wine is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot, harvested between September 21 and October 5. It has an alcohol content of 14.5% and is sealed with a cork.

This vintage has received high praise from several notable wine critics. James Suckling awarded it a score of 94, noting its "cherries and walnuts with dried flowers on the nose" and describing it as "medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins, creamy texture, and a bright, vivid finish." He further highlighted its "plenty of currant and tar" and commended its "polish and beauty," recommending it be enjoyed after 2023.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, represented by Lisa Perrotti-Brown, gave it a 93, appreciating its "deep garnet-purple color" and a bouquet that unfolds with "ripe blackberries, blackcurrant pastilles, and redcurrant jelly plus hints of cedar, underbrush, cinnamon stick, and potpourri." The palate is described as "medium-bodied" with "well-managed, slightly chewy tannins and a refreshing line lifting the black and red berry layers, finishing earthy."

Jeff Leve from The Wine Cellar Insider scored it between 93-95, praising its "beautiful depth in color" and a complex array of "flowers, tobacco leaf, cedar, spice, cigar box, and crème de cassis." He noted its "full-bodied, dense, tannic, and piquant" nature, suggesting that it requires at least 10-12 years of aging before it reaches its full potential.

Decanter also scored it 95, describing it as having "sweet black cherry fruits, bilberry, and hedgerow" with "big Pauillac tannins." The wine has "taken on weight over aging," and the review extends the drinking window accordingly.

Neal Martin from Vinous, who also rated the wine 95, described the 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste as "tightly wound on the nose" with "black currant mixes with raspberry and a touch of graphite and brine." He praised its "medium-bodied" palate with "fine-grained tannins" and noted that it "should drink well for 20 years."

Wine Spectator's J.M. awarded it 95, noting its "dark currant, blackberry, and fig notes at the core" and "lots of warm earth, singed alder, and tobacco leaf notes." The review highlighted its "slight throwback feel," making it ideal for those who appreciate ageworthy Pauillac wines.

Jeb Dunnuck gave the highest score of 96, lauding its "purity" and "ripe, upfront, expressive beauty." He mentioned its "currant and cassis notes as well as flowers, spicy wood, graphite, and hints of tobacco," describing it as "full-bodied, rich, expansive, and incredibly sexy."

In summary, the 2018 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a well-regarded Bordeaux blend known for its depth, complexity, and classic Pauillac characteristics. It is recommended for aging and is expected to develop beautifully over the next few decades.