TN: 2000 Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac

[Greg_K]

Personally I would describe PL as polished rather than elegant. I actually prefer GPL which I think has more character.

Jay, are you thinking of it in more recent years or older vintages? I’ve always loved older vintages of Pichon Lalande, though I admit I’ve been a bit less impressed post 2000. The 79 (my birth year wine) is a personal favorite.

Recent years, sorry I should have made that clearer. Though I’d place the change a bit earlier than 2000.

I figured as much, but thought I’d clarify. I like my Bordeaux with age, so don’t really open too much new stuff, but what I’ve had of more recent PLL has been less interesting to me.

[Howard_Cooper]

I had a glass of the 2016 PL a year or so ago and it was quite good. Have not had the 2016 GPL, but right now I certainly cannot say I prefer GPL in recent years given the 2016 PL, which I think is going to be a great wine.

[Greg_K]

I had a glass of the 2016 PL a year or so ago and it was quite good. Have not had the 2016 GPL, but right now I certainly cannot say I prefer GPL in recent years given the 2016 PL, which I think is going to be a great wine.

I had heard great things about the 16 PLL from various people, but I thought it was shut down at the tasting I went to. Am somewhat hopeful, though I’ve not bought young Bordeaux in many years.

[Ian_A]

I was encouraged by this note because I had semi written off this wine as being mediocre, based on two bottles I tried from a six pack purchased three years ago.

The other time I tried it in a vertical it was excellent and equal to the 1995 and 1996, which is why I bought some.

I would neither describe GPL as rustic nor elegant. What it often lacks, however, which separates it from great wines, is precision.

1994 through 1996 was the best period for this estate imo, save for 2016 which sets a new higher benchmark.

[Jeff_Cassetta]

I agree, which is why none of my questions were for him. Alfret seems to understand GPL perfectly. It is the rest of BDX he needs help with

It would be fun to moderate a tasting between the two of you. But, forget this Bordeaux stuff. Let the tasting be of Chinon and other Loire reds.

Oh, I’d love to see that. It would probably be the best tasting since the one between Vincent Price and Peter Lorre in the Black Cat.

That’s if you could even get Jeff to the table to taste, as he wouldn’t “drink” Chinon…

[Pat_Martin]

Per the rusticity question, I often find GPL’s palate a little blocky. So not really hard or rough, but not suave and seamless either.