Caisse Variation "Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste" 2020

An aromatic and beautifully fresh wine from Pauillac

The estate

Located in the heart of the Pauillac appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste took its current form in 1855, although it was built in the 16th century. The wine estate was greatly influenced during its ownership by Raymond Dupin from 1930 to 1978. Dupin ceded the property to the Borie family, who have carried out numerous renovations since then. Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is today one of the most representative estates of the Pauillac appellation.

The vineyard

The Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste vineyard represents 90 hectares of vines planted on outcroppings of deep gravel. 60 hectares of vines are planted in one piece. The vines are 38 years old on average.

The wine

This new vintage is presented in an innovative packaging, the "Caisse Variation 2020". Equivalent to a volume of 12 bottles (9 litres), this wooden case contains 1 Double-Magnum, 2 Magnums and 4 bottles. The variation in bottle sizes is an invitation to discover, through these three different sizes, the evolution of Pauillac wine over the years.

The vintage

A very wet and mild winter encouraged both the restoration of water reserves and early vine budding, which began at the same time as lockdown in France. Although a snowy episode was recorded on 30 March, the milder spring conditions allowed the vines to develop in good conditions, despite alternations of rain increasing the risk of diseases on the vine. From mid-June, dry and hot conditions set in until the weekend of 12 August, which was marked by significant rainy spells which salvaged the vineyard. The alternation of hot days and cool nights in August was ideal for ensuring a good maturity of the grapes and achieving optimal tannic richness. Harvests began on 14 September with very hot weather. The grapes were healthy, concentrated, aromatic, with very ripe tannins.

Winemaking and ageing

Manual harvests are followed by a double sort on a vibrating table before and after destemming. Vatting for 3 weeks. Ageing in French oak barrels (75% new).

Blend

The 2020 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (76%) and Merlot (24%).

Tasting

Colour

The wine is a bright and beautiful, deep and intense purple-red colour.

Nose

With a beautiful mineral freshness, the nose harmoniously mixes fragrances of very ripe black fruits with violets and spices.

Palate

With a precise attack, the palate seduces with its directness as well as its ripe and delicate tannins. This perfectly balanced vintage delights with its elegance and freshness and a pure, aromatic and persistent finish. This 2020 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste authentically expresses the richness and complexity of a great Pauillac terroir.