1978 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
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Tasting notes
The first vintage of the Borie era. Brick red with a mahogany edge. Forest-floor and mint aromas and flavour. Still some sweetness to the fruit but clearly evolved. Fresh but with a short, drying finish. Of historical interest but has definitely plateaued. Has held up well, though. (JL)
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Cedar, tobacco, cigar and hints of musk and cloves on the nose. Fully developed and so attractive now, with a barely medium body, fresh acidity and a long finish. Tannins are fully melted. The acidity keeps it very alive. The first vintage after the Borie family purchased the estate. 12% to 12.5% alcohol. Drink now. From a vertical tasting at the winery.
The 1978 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has a ferrous bouquet, fully mature of course, with fresh mint, potpourri and lavender notes. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine bead of acidity and slightly dry tannins. It is pretty meaty with dried blood and black pepper, attenuating just a little on the finish. The 1978 is an old-school Claret through and through, approaching the end of its drinking plateau, so don't hesitate to open any if they're in your cellar.
This is one of the few 1978 Medocs that has not exhibited an increased herbaceousness as it has evolved. The 1978 Grand-Puy-Lacoste remains dark ruby/purple-colored, with a bouquet offering scents of cassis, smoke, and earth. Medium to full-bodied, with fine structure and tannins, this wine combines elegance with authoritative flavors. It is close to maturity, yet it can be cellared for at least 10-12 more years. It may last even longer. Last tasted, 5/93.
About the producer
In 1978 the Borie family took over Grand-Puy-Lacoste and Xavier Borie has been making exceptional wines here ever since. With 58 hectares of vines around the château, this is a wine with real Pauillac style.