Wines Pauillac Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste - 2005

Viniou Reviews

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2005 is an illustrious Pauillac from Bordeaux’s famed Left Bank, classified as a Grand Cru. It is crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and, on occasion, a hint of Cabernet Franc. The 2005 vintage stands out as one of the region’s most excellent years, characterised by a warm, sunny growing season that yielded grapes of outstanding ripeness and structure. This wine is vinified traditionally, with scrupulous attention to detail in both vineyard management and cellar work, and matured in French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new. The resulting wine is a harmonious blend of power and finesse, marked by deep, concentrated aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and graphite, layered with cassis, dark plum, and a subtle earthy complexity. The palate is full-bodied, yet beautifully balanced, supported by ripe tannins promising excellent ageing potential.

Pauillac, situated in the northern Médoc, is renowned for producing some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated reds. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate moderated by the nearby Gironde estuary, which helps to protect wines from frost and excessive humidity. The soils are gravel-rich, providing excellent drainage and reflecting sunlight, aiding the slow and even ripening of the grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Pauillac's vineyards have a prestigious history, underpinning its reputation for structured, age-worthy wines revered for their depth and elegance.

This powerful, complex wine calls for equally robust and flavourful food pairings. Classic choices include roast lamb with rosemary, rib of beef, or venison accompanied by a rich Bordelaise sauce. Traditional French dishes such as confit de canard or cassoulet also complement its structure and savoury notes. Aged hard cheeses, such as Comté or Cantal, enhance its earthy, mature undertones.

For the best tasting experience, decant the wine at least an hour before serving to allow it to breathe and open up its complex bouquet. Serve at a temperature of 17-18°C to highlight its richness and refined tannins. With careful cellaring, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2005 will continue to evolve beautifully for many years to come.