A deeply colored wine with intense aromas of ripe black fruits, cassis, and spicy notes. Medium-bodied with a balanced, precise palate, this vintage offers firm yet polished tannins and impressive length. Fresh and elegant, it reflects the vineyard’s classic structure and aging potential.

James Suckling | JS 93
Published: Feb 9, 2015

This is very muscular with blackcurrant, blueberry and mineral character. Full and tight now but this shows a serious backbone of tannins and length. Try in 2018.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Apr 30, 2015
Drink: 2015-2030

Always a favorite among consumers, Xavier Borie’s is a fifth-growth Pauillac that consistently performs at a much higher level. The 2012 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has the classic, tell-tale crème de cassis as well as some bluer fruits and floral notes. Medium-bodied, its ripe tannin, beautiful fruit and low acidity give it an up-front appeal. There’s no harm in drinking it now or cellaring it for another 12-15+ years.

Decanter | D 91
Published: Mar 3, 2022
Drink: 2022-2030

The sort of claret that tastes good young, middle-aged or old, keeping its purity of fresh fruit and refined silky texture. Not a big wine but a joy to drink.

Jancis Robinson | JR 17
Published: Oct 2, 2022
Drink: 2021-2036

Tasted blind. Sweetness and concentration. This wine gives a decidedly glossy impression with everything in the right place. Very winning. Though there is a slight charred note on the inky finish. But there’s a heck of a lot going on here. 

Chateau-grand-puy-lacoste.com

2021 Tasting note
The blend of Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2012 is a majority Cabernet Sauvignon (76%) which offers a nice balanced structure and illustrates the potential of the vineyard. This wine has an enticing, dark and very intense, ruby colour. The bouquet reveals aromas of ripe black fruit and cassis complemented by spicy notes with great freshness. The palate is precise and dense, evolving into charming and well rounded tannins with good length and structure. The overall impression is one of purity and elegance. This 2012 is once again a beautiful expression of the potential held by the terroir of Grand-Puy-Lacoste, this wine will be part of the great lineage of Grand-Puy-Lacoste vintages.

Technical Specs

Alcohol: 13.5%
Closure: Natural Cork
Harvest: 2012
Oak: 16–18 months in French oak, 75% new
Varietals: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot
Vineyard Area: 90ha estate, 55ha in production
Average Vine Age: 38 years
Planting Density: 10,000 vines/ha
Harvest: Hand-picked with double sorting before and after destemming
Vinification: Approximately 3 weeks of maceration
Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Classification: 5th Grand Cru Classé 1855

Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Decanting: 45–60 minutes. The wine is mature but still has good structure and benefits from gentle aeration.
Food Pairing: Roast beef, lamb, venison, duck, steak, braised beef, mushrooms, truffle dishes and mature hard cheeses.