A pretty and fragranced nose, then a sense of true classicism with bright, shining acidity underpinning crushed-velvet tannins and undertones of cola, liquorice and cool blue fruit. Slightly lean but also with lots of Cabernet characters supporting the frame – good weight and focus, with drive. Quite linear and straight, but this works and makes you come back for more.

A refined, classic Pauillac with cassis, pencil shavings, ash and cherries. Juicy and really fine on the palate with silky tannins unwound into a layered, long finish. A refined, elegant interpretation that does not fall short on intensity. Real finesse here. Already delicious, but can hold, too.

The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is fabulous. Bright and punchy, with terrific aromatic presence, the 2021 is a terrific example of the modern classicism of the year at its best. It's the sort of wine that needs years or maybe even decades to truly blossom, and yet all the requisites are there for that to happen. There is something about Grand-Puy-Lacoste that is absolutely striking in 2021. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. Tasted two times.
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022

The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the vintage's successes, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis and raspberries mingled with notions of violets, rose petals, pencil shavings and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, with a deep, layered core of pure fruit framed by ripe acids and sweet tannins, its suave, charming profile means that it will offer a broad drinking window. A slightly lower percentage of new oak, with lighter toasts, is reflected in better barrel integration out of the gates.

Plenty of Pauillac typicity, savoury Cabernet Sauvignon dominance in its flavour profile, blueberry, cassis, cocoa bean, liqourice root, grilled cloves, even silky tannins - this is a success, with estate character, even if shorter drinking window than in more concentrated vintages. Eric Boissenot consultant, Borie family owners. 75% new oak, harvest September 24 to October 8.

Traditional and clasic Pauillac character, a little more old school than usual, certainly than the last few years. Plum, cassis, cocoa bean and liqourice keep things firm, with straight-laced tannins tight and pulled in. Will soften further over ageing, and no question that this is delivering appellation typicity. Tasted twice. 75% new oak, harvest September 24 to October 8.
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, May 2022

The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a beauty, bursting with aromas of dark berries, plums, rose petals, violets, warm spices and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's fleshy and enveloping, with melting tannins, succulent acids and a pleasure-bent, demonstrative personality. While it's clear that this is an irresistibly charming, satisfying Pauillac from the Borie family, it wouldn't surprise me to see it acquire additional depth, flesh and seriousness with further barrel maturation.
William Kelley, April 2022

The 2021 Grand Puy Lacoste was picked from September 24 to October 8 at 40hL/ha, and matured in 75% new oak. There is quite a conspicuous gap between this and the Deuxième Vin this year, the Grand Vin delivering much more cohesion and fruit intensity: blackberry, tobacco, mahogany bureau and a touch of sage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well balanced, and predictably unapologetically classic in style. If you love GPL, then you're going to appreciate this return to its quintessential style after three opulent vintages.
Neal Martin, Vinous, May 2022

Classic Pauillac nose of gravel, white stones, graphite, blackcurrant, blackcurrant leaf. Density and some lovely citrus freshness, blood orange, alongside red cherry and red currant. Has good energy but might have liked a bit more depth and drama.
April 2022

This wine uses the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon ever at GPL because, as Christel Spinner explained, ‘the Merlot lacked concentration’. Nevertheless, yields were spot on, so the Grand-Puy-Lacoste team is justly excited about this wine. This is a fine-boned, super-intense, but equally weightless Cabernet-dominant wine with epic purity and freshness that bites at the palate on the finish. I am keen on this style of wine because the fruit notes linger for minutes, and yet they also leave the palate refreshed and wanting more. The classiness, Pauillac signature, silkiness and elegant framework make this a compelling prospect.
May 2022

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot. Mid-deep ruby. Good focus to the nose here, stony and cool but with enough fruit ripeness. The palate has Pauillac's grip but is more airy and delicate than normal. A gentle, well-proportioned wine, this will drink well in the medium term. (TP)

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot. 40 hl/ha. Dark crimson hue. Bright and lifted on the nose with blackcurrant and dark-fruit-pastille notes. Medium-bodied, refined and pure. Lacks the density of a top year but smooth-textured with fine, silky tannins. Medium-term ageing potential. (JL)