Viniou Reviews
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 1989, housed in an impressive jeroboam, is a Pauillac of remarkable pedigree from the heart of the Médoc. This vintage is built predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, accompanied by Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc, all grown on the estate’s famed deep gravel soils. The 1989 season was warm and dry, ideal for concentrating flavours and tannins, which has translated into a wine of plush ripeness, complex structure, and notable longevity. After meticulous manual harvesting, fermentation took place in temperature-controlled vats before maturation in French oak barrels, imparting further depth and refinement.
Pauillac, one of Bordeaux's most illustrious appellations, stretches along the left bank of the Gironde estuary. The region enjoys a temperate maritime climate, buffered by the vast pine forests of Les Landes and the moderating influence of the river. Its gravelly soils offer perfect drainage and heat retention, particularly favourable for Cabernet Sauvignon, the varietal backbone in Pauillac, allowing for slow, complete ripening. Pauillac's history is intertwined with Bordeaux’s rise to global renown, home to several legendary châteaux, Grand-Puy-Lacoste among them, which are celebrated for their ability to age and for balancing power with elegance.
This mature Pauillac is an ideal pairing for classic French cuisine—think roast lamb studded with garlic and rosemary, or a hearty beef Wellington. Its evolved aromatics and supple tannins will also complement richly sauced dishes, such as duck with a red wine reduction or a mushroom and truffle risotto. For a regional touch, serve alongside Bordelaise specialities such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or confit de canard with seasonal vegetables.
A jeroboam of this age should be handled with care. Decant gently to separate it from any sediment that has settled over decades. Serve at a temperature of 17-18°C. Allow it to breathe for at least an hour before tasting, so its tertiary notes of cedar, cigar box, dried blackcurrant and leather can fully reveal themselves, offering a memorable and profound tasting experience.
