Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac 2000

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "The wine trade’s favourite Pauillac (well, it seems so, in some quarters), at twenty years this has a dark and maturing hue, with a hint of aged mahogany to the rim. It has an evolved nose, quite charming in its impact, with notes of juniper berry, sweet leather and tobacco with some sooty ferrous minerals, dressed with touches of green peppercorn, fresh mint and a dried currant note. The palate is freshly composed, supple with a delicate central core of maturing fruit, wrapped in a gently textured substance, with a taut midpalate. It is built around a frame of lightly grained tannins and tightly wound acidity, with those sooty mineral, savoury leather and tobacco notes coming through. Plenty of peppery substance in the finish, and a warm length. This is evolving very well, although I am not sure this has the broad confidence of my last bottle two years ago. On the plateau I think, and possibly at peak. (Nov 2020)"

94 points Robert Parker: "The 2000 Grand Puy Lacoste is even better than such recent vintages as 2005 and 2009. A broad, classic, large-scaled effort, it boasts a deep blue/purple color as well as tell-tale notes of creme de cassis, subtle smoke, flowers, and unsmoked tobacco. Powerful, full-bodied flavors have shed a lot of tannin, but they remain relatively youthful. This is a young adolescent, broadly flavored Pauillac with an enticing texture as well as abundant richness and fruit. It can be enjoyed now, but promises to hit its peak in five years, and last for two decades. (Jun 2010)"

94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2000 Grand Puy-Lacoste is quintessential Pauillac on the nose, showing more secondary development compared to the last bottle tasted five years back. Blackberry, wild hedgerow, black tea and cloves appear first, followed later by subtle minty aromas, all well defined, intense and classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a little more ferrous than I recall, offering moderate weight and a saline, structured finish. There is plenty of freshness and good length here. This still-vibrant GPL will appeal to those yearning for old-school claret. Drink: 2021-2050. (Sep 2021)"

92 points Wine Spectator: "Very racy. Licorice, berry and lead pencil, with flowers. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very fine indeed. Best after 2010. (3/31/03)"

92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Bright medium ruby-red. Exotic black fruits and spices on the nose, with notes of chocolate, smoke and game; showing its 29% merlot component today. Rich, broad and chocolatey; sweet, creamy and superripe. A big, mouthfilling vintage for this chateau, combining a classic Pauillac medicinal character with the chocolatey ripeness of the vintage. Thick but nicely delineated, finishing with very broad, sweet tannins and excellent length. Like a more refined version of the 1990, says Francois-Xavier Borie. (May/Jun 2003)"

b>92 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "A balanced wine, rather supple and delicate for the cru and vintage. Drink: 2011 up to 2020. (2011)"

18/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Bordeaux): "Fullish colour. Relaxed, harmonious, ripe and generous on the nose. Very stylish. Medium-full body. Balanced, intense, nice and classy. Long and lovely. Not a blockbuster but fine plus. 2010-2030. (2004)"