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‘The 2015 Grand-Puy-Lacoste brings together the ripeness of the vintage and classic elegance of Pauillac in stunning style.’
Antonio Galloni
Two more releases this afternoon follow hot on the heels of other very in demand wines from Bordeaux. A pair of Pauillac Fifth Growths, owned by the same family, which would make great additions to any cellar.
Grand Puy Lacoste is a perennial favourite and is a safe bet in any vintage. This year is no different and they have made potentially one of the best wines from Pauillac this vintage. This Fifth Growth producer regularly outclasses its rivals and is seen as a super second in quality. Much beloved by us here at Armit, it is quintessentially Pauillac with its combination of blackcurrant laden cassis fruit and balanced cedar. Much of the success of this property can be attributed to the brilliance and exacting standards of François-Xavier Borie. A man whose ability to craft wines of unerring beauty and longevity is proven and legendary. For those who seek an authentic expression of classic Bordeaux then look no further. A juicy, yet refined, wine with layers of sensuous lush fruit and seamless integration of oak.
Haut-Batailley is also owned and run by the Borie’s. Francois still oversees the winemaking at Haut Batailley whilst increasing responsibility is being given to his eldest daughter Emeline. The skill of the family is evident in the wine they have produced this vintage. In 2006 work was carried out to allow a more extensive parcel by parcel vinification. This has allowed for a greater degree of control and blending. The results yielded are evident in a wine of clarity and character. It has garnered the highest ever score given to the estate from Neal Martin with Antonio Galloni calling it ‘one of the overachievers of the year’. A sure fire sign that this wine has lived up to its potential.
Château Haut Batailley, Pauillac
£300 Per 12 Bottles En Primeur
£150 Per 6 Bottles En Primeur
£155 Per 3 Magnums En Primeur
£308 Per 6 Magnums En Primeur
The 2015 Haut Batailley is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot, matured in 60% new oak. It was picked between 21 September until 2 October. It is a level up from the 2015 Lacoste Borie with much more fruit intensity: blackberry, boysenberry, tobacco and cedar aromas. It gathers momentum in the glass and develops a subtle mint accent. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, lithe tannin, very well balanced with just a slight tinniness that will disappear by the time in bottle. I love the pencil shaving sprinkled over the aftertaste here. With very good substance and impressive length, this is a classic Pauillac that I suspect will offer 25 or 30 years of pleasure.Drink 2025 – 2055.92-94/100, Neal Martin
A wine of class, pedigree and nuance, the 2015 Haut-Batailley is superb. Beams of supporting tannin give the dark purplish flavors striking energy and cut. Graphite, smoke, violet, mint, dark cherry and plum notes continue to open up in the glass. Haut-Batailley is a Pauillac with distinct Saint-Julien leanings, and that is exactly what comes across here. It is also one of the overachievers of the year. The 2015 was impressive each and every time I saw it.
92-95/100, Antonio Galloni
Château Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac
£500 Per 12 Bottles En Primeur
£250 Per 6 Bottles En Primeur
£255 Per 3 Magnums En Primeur
£508 Per 6 Magnums En Primeur
Now, Grand-Puy-Lacoste is often quite "aloof" at this early juncture, but that is not the case with the 2015. This is more approachable aromatically, beautifully defined, thanks to that expressive Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannin and finely tuned acidity (pH 3.68). Beguilingly harmonious in the mouth, it boasts a silky smooth texture with wonderful salinity on the aftertaste that is sustained in the mouth. As usual, Xavier Borie has produced a "classic" Pauillac, but one that is a little more appeasing to those that don't want to cellar for 20-30 years. You could describe the 2015 as being between 2009 and 2010...and that, folks, is not a bad place to be.Drink 2028-2060. 94-96/100, Neal Martin
A rich, super-finessed wine, the 2015 Grand-Puy-Lacoste brings together the ripeness of the vintage and classic elegance of Pauillac in stunning style. Today, the 2015 is gloriously ripe and intense, with fabulous follow-through and remarkable balance. Dark red cherry, pomegranate, exotic, spice and blood orange hit the flamboyant finish. This is one of the wines of the vintage. Don't miss it. 92-95/100, Antonio Galloni
