In the wake of the estate's main wine, Lacoste-Borie 2018 delivers a luminous interpretation of Pauillac. The second wine of Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, it comes from younger vines worked with the same exacting standards, combining meticulous sorting and measured ageing to preserve fruit purity. A generous vintage, 2018 brings savoury breadth without forfeiting freshness, with precise aromatic definition and a structure that balances density with finesse. For the enthusiast seeking a characterful Bordeaux sculpted in the cabernet spirit, this wine is an obvious answer to the question of pleasure today and tomorrow. Its deep colour announces a nose vibrant with dark fruit; the long, dynamic palate pairs beautifully with seasonal French cooking, and its cellar potential promises fine rewards over the years. A high-style Pauillac: approachable, controlled and intensely appealing for its contained energy and noble-grained finish.

Blend and vinification

Rooted in the Pauillac terroir identity, this wine highlights an assembly dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc. Sourced mainly from the estate's younger vines, it benefits from the same expertise as the grand vin, with careful parcel selection, gentle extraction to retain the fruit's vibrancy and oak ageing with a restrained proportion of new wood to respect the vintage's expression. The objective is clear: reveal a frame that is upright and lively, where ripe berries meet controlled freshness and a signature minerality. The result is a Pauillac that is welcoming in its youth yet built on an architecture solid enough to evolve harmoniously in the cellar, with a clear, precise and highly appetising signature.

Tasting notes

• Colour: Intense, glossy purplish-red—deep and luminous—signalling concentration and energy.
• Nose: Basket of fully ripe dark fruit, with cassis and blackberry leading, lifted by a licorice note, an engaging freshness and a minerality that brings definition and precision.
• Palate: Precise attack, dense and complex material, a structured thread with a fine texture. The balance combines restrained power and finesse, stretching to a long, aromatic and tannic finish, promising excellent ageing potential.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this Pauillac between 16 and 18°C in large tulip glasses to enhance the fruit depth and the nobility of the tannins. When young, an airing of about 1 hour will help release aromas and soften the structure. Store bottles on their side, cool and away from light, with stable humidity. Lacoste-Borie 2018 is enjoyable now after aeration and will gain complexity with a few years in the cellar, evolving as the fruit integrates spicier notes and an increasingly velvety texture.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs: mini marinated beef skewers, mushroom puff pastries, bresaola bites with Parmesan shavings.
• Starters: poultry pâté en croûte, thin tart with porcini, poached eggs with a rich jus.
• Main courses: grilled rib of beef, roasted pigeon, porcini Bordelaise-style, spring leg of lamb with rosemary jus.
• Cheeses: aged Comté, Salers, mountain tomme, extra-old mimolette.
• Desserts: roasted fig tart, pears with dark cocoa, spiced chocolate entremets.

Occasions

Lacoste-Borie 2018 is the wine of choice:

• To celebrate a warm get-together centred on quality produce.
• At a gourmet dinner calling for fine regional cuisine.
• As a precious gift for a Bordeaux lover with a curious palate.

Details

• Name: Lacoste-Borie 2018
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC
• Type: Red wine, second wine
• Vintage: 2018
• Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
• Alcohol level: depends on vintage
• Ageing: oak barrels, controlled proportion of new wood
• Volume: bottle
• Cellaring: high potential, depending on cellar conditions
• Serving temperature: 16 to 18°C