1989 Grand Puy Lacoste
By Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste
1989 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste, Pauillac, Bordeaux
In the heralded chronicles of Bordeaux vintages, the 1989 Grand Puy Lacoste from Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste emerges as a venerable emblem of Pauillac's regal poise. This bygone season bestowed upon us a wine of such stature, it singularly encapsulates what connoisseurs and fine wine investors alike seek in the archetypal claret.
An Emblematic Year for an Iconic Label
The 1989 vintage in Bordeaux stood out for its early, swift commencement and blessed vineyards with optimal conditions. One might argue that within this harmonious auspice, the terroirs of Grand Puy Lacoste found their truest expression. This year bequeathed a bounty which allowed the Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend to reach its most persuasive and articulate zenith.
A Vintage Sui Generis: The 1989 Character
Whilst drinking now at its splendid best, the 1989 vintage imparts a masterclass in balance and structure. A nose abundant with cassis and cigar box aromatics weaves effortlessly into a palate layered with ripe blackberry, leather, and an enticing earthiness redolent of the gravelly estate grounds. As investors consider the 1989 Grand Puy Lacoste, they find stalwart evidence of cellar-worthiness amidst this delightful complexity.
Indeed, tannins which once gripped now graciously yield, securing a mellow finish that speaks softly but resonates long – a testament to the wine's superb ageing capability. The characteristically bright acidity has maintained its composure throughout decades, integrating impeccably with the matured fruit notes and seasoned wood nuances.
A Sage Investment: The 1989 Legacy
Fine wine enthusiasts seeking to augment their collections or portfolios with icons of exceptional provenance would do well to regard the 1989 Grand Puy Lacoste as an astute acquisition. Not only does it stand as one of the pinnacles of Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste's craftsmanship but it also continues to impress upon those fortuitous enough to uncork its history. Rest assured, one can expect this exemplary wine to further bolster its standing as time graciously upholds its integrity.
Current market price
£1,250.00
12x75cl
Highest score
90
POP score
125
Scores and tasting notes
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 'GPL'. This is drinking beautifully now. Tasted March 2011.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Sep 2011
When I first tasted the 1989 Grand-Puy-Lacoste in this blind tasting I thought it possessed a Graves-like tobacco/mineral character. In contrast to the blockbuster, full-blown, massive wines produced by this estate in 1990 and 1982, the medium-weight 1989 is elegant, spicy, evolved, and already revealing plenty of cedar and cassis fruit. A delicious, generously-endowed, low acid wine, it will offer mature drinking now and over the next 12-15 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 February 1997