CRITIC REVIEWS
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Medium to deep garnet in color, the 2009 Grand-Puy-Lacoste opens with a nose of sweaty leather, damp earth, baked cherries and dried mulberries with touches of fried herbs, black olives and cast iron pan. Medium-bodied, firm and chewy, this is a more elegantly styled 2009 with provocative herbal sparks and a ferrous finish.
Stephen Brook
Like Haut-Batailley, this excellent property is owned by the Borie family and managed by François-Xavier Borie. Its 55 hectares are planted with vines with an average age of over 40 years, ensuring moderate yields and good concentration of fruit. This has long been a favourite of many claret lovers, since it offers classic Pauillac typicity – vigorous, muscular and long lived, with considerable elegance – at a fair price. It is hard to think of any disappointing vintages, and this consistency also wins it admirers. Stephen Brook
Seductive, oaky black cherry and cassis nose. Rich, sumptuous and concentrated without being too extracted. Robust and spicy, already showing considerable nuance and complexity. It’s forward and fleshy, but doesn’t lack grip and structure. Harmonious, with well-judged tannins. Alun Griffiths MW
Ripe black cassis and hedgerow fruit on the nose. Powerful and enticing. Seamless on the palate with rich, lush fruit backed by ripe but firm tannins and excellent balancing acidity. Lovely structure and a real sense of potential for the future. Fresh and elegant. Steven Spurrier
Very fine, fragrant black berry fruit, showing great purity and elegance in the Pauillac range. Wild violets and beautiful texture. A beautiful wine, totally harmonious, and with all the elegance you need for a long future.