Grand-Puy-Lacoste's origins go back to the 16th century, when it was known under the name of Château Saint-Guirons. It was not until the 19th century that owner François Lacoste added his name. The present buildings were constructed in 1850, just before the estate was designated a 5th growth in the famous 1855 classification. The château went through a somewhat difficult time during the first half of the 20th century, and the area under vine was reduced by half. However, the situation improved in the 1970s when Jean-Eugène Borie of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou acquired the château. He undertook a large-scale renovation which culminated in 2003 and 2006 with the introduction of pipe system connecting all the vats and a new sorting room.

Located on the highest point in the Pauillac appellation, Grand-Puy-Lacoste's 55 hectares of vines are in a single block. In fact, "grand puy" means "big hill". The hill in question has 6-8 m. of gravel on thick limestone bedrock. This is the classic profile of a great terroir for Cabernet, and explains why the proportion of Merlot has been gradually diminished over the past few years.

Winegrowing is traditional at Grand-Puy-Lacoste, with limited use of pesticides and great respect for the environment. The grapes are hand picked and sorted twice before being put into stainless steel temperature-controlled vats. In recent years, grapes from individual plots have been fermented separately and kept in different vats for alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Extraction is gentle with periodic pumping over. The final blend is generally done in December, after which the wine is put into barrel (40-60% new oak, depending on the vintage). On average, the wine is racked five times over the following 14-16 months, after which it is blended, fined in vat, and bottled.

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is admired for its strong personality and the classic way in which it reflects the terroir of Pauillac. It is also displays a fine structure and remarkable complexity in the best vintages.

In the Bottle

Many wine lovers appreciate Grand-Puy-Lacoste, considering it a great Pauillac in the traditional style that has never tried to keep up with trends. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste belongs to the small group of estates able to make one or two outstanding wines per decade. This includes such superb vintages as 2005, 2000, 1990, and 1982 Grand-Puy-Lacoste. The 2006 is also very successful.

Grand-Puy-Lacoste is still sold at a reasonable price on a futures basis and represents good value for money. Many people regard it as one of the most intelligent choices among the great growths.

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Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Lacoste-Borie (second wine), Domaine de Saint-Guirons