WTN: 1978 Grand Puy Lacoste

Grand Puy Lacoste 1978

Delicate with cedar, classy plummy fruit, and herbs. A well aged wine that is still easily within its drinking window. Somewhat light, well balanced between fruit and structure and still has some power in its punch. A bit of acid in the lacy finish. A grand lady of a wine.
B/B+

I've drunk many a bottle of this vintage, Matt, and although the last one was some time ago now, I did serve my last bottle of 1979 GPL to my wine tasting group last year and it performed brilliantly on the night. Thanks for the reminder of how good these can be.

My note on the 1979 follows -

"The 1979 G-P-L, always punches well above its weight and was truly outstanding FWII, blessed with silky dark cherry and deep set blackcurrant fruit, a strong undercurrent of undergrowth, herbs and damp earth as well as a little of the Paulliac thumbprint of lead pencil. The palate’s fully mature, delivers a silky, hedonistic and most elegant mouthful of superior flavour that suggests a very successful left bank producer from an extremely good year. Possessing a svelte structure with exemplary smooth tannins and some wonderful residual acidity this terrific claret finishes long and with admirable aplomb. 93 points. Drink now - 2015."

I also have a bottle of the 1979, which I plan to drink soon.

Grand Puy Lacoste and Grand Puy Ducasse were two of the first classified growth Bordeaux I ever experienced. I was surprised to hear that they can be pleasantly drinkable after thirty years.

I'd generally say GPL is much more ageworthy than GPD. I served the 78 and 79 GPL (from same lot as Matt's I believe) side by side on my 50th, geeks were evenly split re preference. I liked both, but the 78 more (more than Matt I think), but neither had any fading issues.

Nice note. I've had the 1978 GPL twice, and I agree it's a lovely mature claret. Nothing flashy, but a classic. It often can be found inexpensively at auctions, I've found.

That's exactly right, Patrick. I've had it 3 times with very consistent notes.

I think your sentiment could probably extend to most 1978s. It's a nice vintage that can frequently be found for reasonable prices.