Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste 2004 (1x75cl)

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a wine estate situated on a hillock (or puy) above the village of Bages in the Pauillac region of the Médoc. Classified as a fifth growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant grand vin is known for its velvety texture and cigar box and cassis aromas. A second wine, Lacoste-Borie, is made from lots declassified from the grand vin and tends to have a higher proportion of Merlot. The vineyard is sited around the château and covers 55 hectares (136 acres) of the wider estate. It is planted 75 percent to Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 percent Merlot and 5 percent Cabernet Franc. The soil is a classic Médoc mix of layers of gravel of differing depths, mixed with sand and a little clay. This allows excellent drainage and moderates day-night fluctuations in temperature to help ripen the crop. Pauillac's proximity to the Gironde estuary moderates weather extremes and helps to guard against frost. Grapes are fermented in 43 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, sized to correspond to specific parcels of vines. Vats are then tasted and a blend is made before ageing. Grand-Puy-Lacoste sees 16 to 18 months in Allier oak (two-thirds new wood), while Lacoste-Borie has 14 to 16 months in oak, 45 percent of which is new.