Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste 2000

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dichtes, tiefes Granat-Violett, satt in der Mitte. In der Nase delikates, klares, feingliedriges und doch pfeffriges Cabernet-Bouquet, fast parfümiert frisch, viel Cassis und Brombeeren, schwarzer Pfeffer. Im Gaumen ein Fruchtextrakt sondergleichen, Finessen in den Tanninen, wie bei einem Premier Cru, pfeffrige, wiederum fruchtunterstützende Note, viel Brombeeren, Heidelbeeren, wieder Cassis, perfekte, umfassende Adstringenz, nachhaltiges Finale. Noch besser als der Lynch-Bages und mit Pichon-Baron an der Spitze der erschwinglicheren Pauillacs."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2000 Château Grand Puy Lacoste is an exceptional wine from Xavier Borie. It has a brilliant nose of blackberry, crushed stone, graphite and cedar. Putting it to one side for ten to 15 minutes reveals subtle mint-like aromas that whisk you straight to Pauillac. The palate is smooth and silky, cloaking the tannic frame of this GPL so that you barely notice it. But that will stand it in good stead for the long-term, the cornerstone of all great wines from this estate. Then there is that hint of spice on the aftertaste—the show ain't over yet. Served alongside a magnum of Pichon Baron 2000, I would say that at the moment, it does not quite possess the same level of precision. However, it remains a magnificent Pauillac to cherish long-term. Tasted January 2016."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Mid ruby. Firm and, for the first time in this tasting I find myself writing the word 'mineral'. Sweet and pleasing and at first I wondered whether it was almost at its apogee, but it still has slightly aggressive acid and tannin on the palate. It's far from subtle but it does deliver. Quite marked acidity. Not the most luscious 2000 but very solid. Probably needs a bit more time."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "A big juicy gulp of ripe, sweet, dark cassis poured over salty rocks with a touch of herbs is found here from start to finish. Slightly rustic, with time, the finish, with all its blackberries and sweet cassis takes on a creamier texture. Perhaps this is not overly complex. But there is a wealth of ripe juicy fruit that tastes and feels great! So dig in if you have a bottle as this is a joy to drink today. 90 minutes in the decanter helped as well."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A lovely, elegant version, with sweet tobacco and lightly singed cedar notes now taking the lead, while dried currant and warmed blackberry preserve flavors still have their say. The lengthy finish has a gentle, supple edge, with the dried fruit showing a sweet hint. Textbook aged Pauillac.—Blind 2000 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2015). Drink now through 2020. 15,830 cases made."