2011 Grand Puy Lacoste
Good nose of cassis, licorice, and cigar box. On the well strucutred palate there is dense black fruit all the way through with well integrated tannins. The Cabernets here were picked late(29 September) and so colour was nice. Rightly put by Robert Parker, this vintage is elegant and classically Pauillac of medium body and length. This wine will get you drink on and on and stay happy and he ache-free. This wine is well-liked by a wide spectrum of internnational tasters, but iF you are looking for a blockbuster style from Pauillac, dont's buy this vitnage.
The 2011 Grand Puy Lacoste is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. It has a slight subdued nose that demands some coaxing and eventually, perhaps reluctantly offers aromas of blackberry, wild hedgerow, sous-bois and damp tobacco. I find it missing a little vivacity and precision. The palate has a crisp, brine-tinged entry with chalky tannins. Typically masculine and austere, quite edgy and tense, the 2011 is a straight down the fairway, quintessential Pauillac with cedar and strong graphite notes on the finish. Leaving it for another five minutes, there is a cheeky scent of orange that develops in the glass and then...poof...it's gone again. This is an intriguing Pauillac that keeps you on your toes. Tasted April 2012.
Score: 92
Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com, April 2012
The licorice, tar and spice character with dried fruits and currants impresses me. Full body with firm tannins and a chewy finish. This is even better now than from barrel. Better in 2019.
Score: 93
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2014
The fruit on the nose is rich deep brooding black fruited but ripe. The palate has a mix of flavours some ripe black plum, firmer black cherry and the freshness of bramble. The tannins support but are ripe the mid palate supple fleshy and there is the feeling of balance and harmony.
Score: 95
Derek Smedley MW, April 2012
Irrespective of the vintage, François-Xavier Borie makes some of the most under-valued wines in Pauillac. In 2011, this brilliant fifth growth has done it again, making a grand VIN with elegance and restraint. A classic, claret drinker's Pauillac, with notes of incense, cassis, wood smoke and chocolate underpinned by freshness and verve. 10+ years.
Score: 95
Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, April 2012
