Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac (Grand Cru Classe) 2018

Chateau Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac (Grand Cru Classé) 2018: Tasting Notes & Food Pairing

A jewel in the Pauillac crown, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste's 2018 vintage delivers a captivating expression of this prestigious terroir. This in-depth tasting note explores the wine's character, ideal drinking window, and perfect food pairings to elevate your next dining experience.

Classic Pauillac Character

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2018 boasts the classic hallmarks of a great Pauillac wine. The blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), with its signature cassis, cedar, and blackcurrant aromas. Merlot (18%) adds a touch of plum and spice, while Cabernet Franc (4%) contributes to the wine's structure and complexity.

A Deep Dive into the Tasting Experience

On the eye, the wine showcases a deep magenta colour, intense and with brilliant clarity. The nose is immediately captivating, offering a melange of ripe blackcurrant, cassis, and cedarwood. Hints of violet and graphite add further intrigue, hinting at the wine's ageing potential.

The palate is full-bodied and structured, with the powerful Cabernet Sauvignon tannins dominating the initial impression. However, these tannins are beautifully ripe and polished, thanks to the exceptional 2018 vintage. Flavours of black fruit compote, cedar, and earth mingle with hints of spice and tobacco. The finish is long and persistent, leaving a lingering impression of sophistication and power.

Drinking Window & Potential

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2018 is a wine built for ageing. While it can be enjoyed now with proper decanting, its full potential will likely unfold over the next 10-15 years. Patience will be rewarded as the tannins soften further, allowing the full complexity of the flavours to emerge.

Food Pairing Delights

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2018 is a wine that demands food with equal stature. Here are some ideal pairings to bring out the best in both the wine and your meal:

• Red Meat: This wine is a natural companion to grilled or roasted red meat. Try it with a succulent rib-eye steak, a rack of lamb, or a hearty venison stew.
• Game: The bold character of the wine stands up well to the richness of game birds like pheasant, grouse, or duck.
• Hard Cheeses: Pair the wine with mature cheddar, Gruyère, or other aged hard cheeses for a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.

Beyond the Obvious Pairings

While classic pairings are always a safe bet, Château Grand- Puy-Lacoste 2018 offers the potential for more adventurous pairings. Consider these options:

• Mushroom Dishes: Earthy mushroom flavours can complement the wine's earthy notes beautifully. Try a rich mushroom risotto or a pan-fried wild mushroom medley.
• Hearty Vegetarian Dishes: Don't neglect vegetarian options! A lentil Shepherd's pie or a portobello mushroom burger with bold umami flavours can hold their own against this powerful wine.

The Final Word

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2018 is a testament to the excellence of Pauillac. This is a wine for discerning wine lovers who appreciate classic Bordeaux structure with modern elegance. With its impressive ageing potential and versatility with food pairings, it's a surefire addition to elevate any cellar or special occasion.

Looking to Acquire a Bottle?

At The General Wine Company, we are proud to offer Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2018 in our collection.  Visit our website or contact us today to secure a bottle of this exceptional wine and embark on your own tasting adventure.