Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac (Grand Cru Classe) 2012

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac (Grand Cru Classé) 2012: A Sophisticated Sip with Lasting Appeal

Introduction

At The General Wine Company, we take pride in offering a collection of exquisite wines, and the 2012 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac (Grand Cru Classé) is no exception. This distinguished bottle hails from the Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux, one of the world's most prestigious wine regions. Classified as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste consistently delivers wines of exceptional quality and finesse.

This particular vintage, the 2012, is a testament to the chateau's dedication to excellence. The 2012 growing season in Bordeaux presented ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape in this blend. With moderate temperatures and sufficient sunshine, the grapes achieved optimal ripeness, resulting in a wine brimming with character and complexity.

Tasting Notes

• Colour: Deep garnet red with a hint of purple at the rim, indicative of a wine with good ageing potential.
• Nose: The initial bouquet is captivating, offering a melange of ripe black fruits such as cassis and blackcurrant. Hints of plum and damson emerge alongside notes of cedarwood, tobacco, and a touch of spice. As the wine opens up, floral notes like violets can also be detected, adding to the aromatic intrigue.
• Palate: The first sip of the 2012 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac reveals a well-structured wine with a core of black fruit flavours that mirror the nose. The tannins are present yet refined, offering a sense of grip without overwhelming the palate. Hints of earth, leather, and minerality add further complexity, while the oak ageing imparts subtle hints of vanilla and spice. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and sophistication.

Food Pairing

The 2012 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed with a variety of dishes. Its bold yet balanced character makes it a perfect match for red meat. Consider pairing it with:

• Roast lamb: The rich flavours of roast lamb pair beautifully with the wine's fruitiness and structure. Rosemary or other herbs commonly used with lamb complement the wine's herbal notes.
• Beef Wellington: This classic dish featuring a tenderloin of beef encased in puff pastry is another excellent choice. The richness of the beef and the savoury notes of the mushroom duxelles find a perfect match in the wine's complexity.
• Grilled ribeye steak: A simple grilled ribeye allows the wine's full potential to shine. The Maillard reaction from grilling creates a beautiful char on the steak, which echoes the slightly smoky notes in the wine.
• Hard cheeses: Aged cheddar or Gruyère cheeses provide a textural contrast to the wine's tannins and offer complementary flavours.

Conclusion

The 2012 Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac (Grand Cru Classé) is a truly exceptional wine. It embodies the hallmarks of a classic Pauillac: power, finesse, and ageing potential. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this wine is sure to impress. Visit The General Wine Company today to secure your bottle of this remarkable vintage.