The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a beauty, bursting with aromas of dark berries, plums, rose petals, violets, warm spices and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it`s fleshy and enveloping, with melting tannins, succulent acids and a pleasure-bent, demonstrative personality. While it`s clear that this is an irresistibly charming, satisfying Pauillac from the Borie family, it wouldn`t surprise me to see it acquire additional depth, flesh and seriousness with further barrel maturation. 92-94+ ponts

The 2021 Grand Puy Lacoste was picked from September 24 to October 8 at 40hL/ha, and matured in 75% new oak. There is quite a conspicuous gap between this and the Deuxième Vin this year, the Grand Vin delivering much more cohesion and fruit intensity: blackberry, tobacco, mahogany bureau and a touch of sage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well balanced, and predictably unapologetically classic in style. If you love GPL, then you`re going to appreciate this return to its quintessential style after three opulent vintages. 92-94 points

The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fabulous. Bright and punchy, with terrific aromatic presence, the 2021 is a terrific example of the modern classicism of the year at its best. It`s the sort of wine that needs years or maybe even decades to truly blossom, and yet all the requisites are there for that to happen. There is something about Grand-Puy-Lacoste that is absolutely striking in 2021. I can`t wait to taste it from bottle. Tasted two times. 94-96 points

Traditional and clasic Pauillac character, a little more old school than usual, certainly than the last few years. Plum, cassis, cocoa bean and liqourice keep things firm, with straight-laced tannins tight and pulled in. Will soften further over ageing, and no question that this is delivering appellation typicity. Tasted twice. 75% new oak, harvest September 24 to October 8. 93 points