Tasting Notes
Vinous – 89
The 1989 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has always lain in the shadow of the 1990. There is something atypical about this vintage. It has an uncharacteristically high-toned bouquet with black cherries, black olives, and plenty of mint (maybe too much so that it veers toward spearmint). The palate is medium-bodied with graphite-infused black fruit. It is redeemed by GPL’s tendency towards wonderful symmetry with a hint of seaweed on the finish. It’s enjoyable, but there’s a reason it lies in the shadow of the 1990. Tasted at the 1989 dinner at Piccolino in London.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2038
Robert Parker – 90
Tasted at the chateau, this is a far superior bottle than the last example. It has a potent earthy, almost Pomerol-like bouquet with cooked meats, white fennel, smoke, hickory and sage. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins that are finally mellowing with age. Velvety smooth in texture, it displays more vigour than I expected, a great sense of tension with that foursquare finish that is so a oeGPLa . This is drinking beautifully now. Tasted March 2011.
