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 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a Bordeaux blend from the renowned Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France. Produced by the established Grand-Puy-Lacoste estate, this red wine has garnered significant attention from professional reviewers, earning high praise across the board.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points, with William Kelley noting, "The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the vintage's successes," highlighting its "aromas of cassis and raspberries mingled with notions of violets, rose petals, pencil shavings, and cigar wrapper." Kelley describes the wine as "medium to full-bodied, with a deep, layered core of pure fruit framed by ripe acids and sweet tannins," emphasizing its broad drinking window and well-integrated oak.

Jane Anson from janeanson.com rated it 93 points, appreciating its "Pauillac typicity" and "savoury Cabernet Sauvignon dominance." Anson remarked on flavors of "blueberry, cassis, cocoa bean, liquorice root, grilled cloves, and silky tannins," noting the shorter drinking window compared to more concentrated vintages. The wine features 75% new oak and was harvested from September 24 to October 8.

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also scored it 94 points, describing it as "a super wine that exceeds the vintage." He praised its "blackberries, cigar wrapper, roses, cocoa, currants, and cedar" aromatics and the "solid lift and energy" on the palate. Leve noted the blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, suggesting it is best enjoyed from 2026 to 2050.

James Suckling's Zekun Shuai gave it an excellent 95 points, calling it "a refined, classic Pauillac" with elements of "cassis, pencil shavings, ash, and cherries." Shuai appreciated its "silky tannins" and "layered, long finish," highlighting its finesse and potential for aging.

Neal Martin from Vinous rated it 93 points, describing it as "about as classic a Bordeaux as you will find in contemporary Bordeaux." He noted its "black fruit, cedar, and tobacco" profile and "grainy tannins," mentioning its saline character and gentle build toward the finish.

Decanter's review, also awarding 95 points, called it "a superb GPL this year." The review praised its "rose hawthorn notes on the nose" and "silky smooth texture with fine tannins." The wine was noted for its "bitter black chocolate and liquorice" flavors and "salinity," suggesting it has "much more subtle power" and significant aging potential.

Wine Spectator's JM rated it 92 points, highlighting its "pure and fresh" character with "damson plum and red cherry notes laced with sandalwood, red tea, and sanguine accents." The review pointed out the wine's "lively savory streak" and recommended drinking it now through 2035.

In summary, the 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a highly praised Bordeaux blend, noted for its classic Pauillac character, refined tannins, and excellent aging potential.