Wine of the Month - November 2018

For the month of November 2018, we present

1 x Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 2012, Pauillac
1 x Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2012, Pauillac
1 x Château La Lagune 2012, Haut-Médoc
1 x Château Laujac 2014, Médoc

Tasting Notes

Château Grand-Puy Ducasse 2012 - "This is another estate in Pauillac that has dramatically raised its performance level over the last decade. The 2012, from grapes harvested between October 2 and 17, has supple tannins and a nice mouthfeel that builds incrementally, offering up plenty of crème de cassis, plum and blackberry fruit. The wine is soft, round, opulently textured, and an undeniable success for 2012. The purity of fruit is also admirable. Drink this medium to full-bodied Pauillac over the next 20 years. This is significantly better than the barrel samples tasted in March, 2013." - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (4/29/2015, Issue 218), Ratings: 90, Drink: 2015-2035

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2012 - "Always a favorite among consumers, Xavier Borie’s is a fifth-growth Pauillac that consistently performs at a much higher level. The 2012 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has the classic, tell-tale crème de cassis as well as some bluer fruits and floral notes. Medium-bodied, its ripe tannin, beautiful fruit and low acidity give it an up-front appeal. There’s no harm in drinking it now or cellaring it for another 12-15+ years." - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (4/29/2015, Issue 218), Ratings: 91, Drink: 2015-2030

Château La Lagune 2012 - "This property has been making excellent wines under the administration of Caroline Frey, and 2012 continues their recent success. With a deep ruby/purple color, notes of new saddle leather, graphite, blackcurrants and black cherries, a supple texture, medium to full body and beautiful purity, this is an outstanding 2012 to drink over the next 20 years. In general, the blend tends to be approximately 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance 25% Merlot followed by 15% Petit Verdot." - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (4/29/2015, Issue 218), Ratings: 90, Drink: 2015-2035

Château Laujac is the only non-classified growth of this selection, but it is recognized as a rising star of the Medoc appellation.