Grand-Puy-Lacoste Pauillac 2010

98 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "I distinctly recall on my return from the 2010 primeurs setting out to buy a small handful of wines from my own cellar;top of the list was Grand-Puy-Lacoste, which I obviously tracked down as here we are ten(-ish) years later. This now displays a huge colour in the glass, with an opaque black-violet hue at its heart, and a dusty black cherry rim. This is followed by an expressive nose which can only be described as amazing;concentrated and dense, it is swirling with the scents of blackcurrant, black olive, currant, soot, juniper and green peppercorn, along with a little sweetly toasted overlay. This rich and multilayered beginning is transmitted directly on to the palate, which kicks off with a confident texture, where it immediately marries a layer of intense black fruits with freshness and lift, all wrapped up a beautifully sinewy and vinous texture. The backbone is supple and lightly grained with sweet tannins. Precise, long and very complete, this is a brilliant Grand-Puy-Lacoste. While this is tasting beautifully at the moment it is still most certainly on the way up though. Hold for now. The declared alcohol is 13.5%. (Oct 2021)"

97 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "Two bottles of the 2010 Grand Puy-Lacoste were opened, the first showing just a little oxidation. The second has an attractive minty bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit laced with subtle marine/seaweed notes, a touch of graphite developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive tension and wonderful freshness right from the start. There is a sense of coiled up energy here and the finish just leaves you breathless. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Drink: 2023-2055. (Apr 2020)"

97 points Tim Atkin, MW

96 points Panos Kakaviatos (Decanter): "Freshness and seamless elegance, with vivid, bright red and black fruit. Floral aspects evoke a sense of Margaux elegance, but the palate’s noticeable grip and backbone remind you that this is Pauillac. From vines on deep gravels, ideal for ripening the 75% plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon. Such refinement and power go with prime rib in a truffle sauce. Drinking Window: 2021-2050. (5/20/21)"

96 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "This is super. It has everything needed to compete with the big boys, except the price. With layer after layer of ripe, sweet, fresh, pure fruits, great textures, refined tannins and a long finish, when this hits maturity, this is going to be a rockstar. If you're looking for a high quality, Classified Growth from the very expensive 2010 vintage, and you want the best wine for the money, this is the wine to buy. (Sep 2014)"

95 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot). Intense and closed off at first, full of espresso and bitter black chocolate. I have tasted this a few times over the past few years, and it is still not budging. There is plenty of loganberry and blackcurrant fruit here but it continues to be dominated by tannins, spiced turmeric, cloves and crushed rocks. Needs more time and you have to hope you catch it at the right moment - or really ensure a long carafe. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2025-2045. (9/16/24)"

95 points James Suckling: "Intense hazelnuts and blackberries on the nose follow through to a full to medium body, with chocolate and berry flavors and firm tannins. Not giving away a lot at the finish at the moment. Reserved and sophisticated. But structured and chewy. Try in 2017. (11/14/13)"

95 points Falstaff: "Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim, dark berry fruit with undertones of pleasant herbal spice, fine nougat, attractive bouquet, multi-faceted aromas. Complex, juicy, finely spiced texture, elegant body, well-integrated tannins, chocolaty nuances, sweet and persistent, has great length, very promising for the future. (3/21/14)"