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Producers
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
If ever there were a reason to redefine the complicated Bordeaux wine classification system, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is it. Astonishingly classed as a fifth growth, this is “a remarkably full wine that is not only rich in character but features all the hallmarks of top Pauillac wines. The chateau’s superb family pedigree (Grand Puy Lacoste is owned and managed by the Borie family, of Chateaux Ducru Beaucaillou and Haut-Batailley fame) only serves as further proof that its ranking as one of the 18 fifth growths needs to be reconsidered.
1855 vs Liv-ex
Modern investors would be wise to consider the Liv-ex rating that moved it to a third growth status in 2017. While Liv-ex does not of course have the power nor persuasion to change the official Bordeaux wine classification, it is an appropriate benchmark for those looking to purchase either futures or as an investment.

Fantastically popular in China, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste enjoys success in Asia largely due to it sharing a name with the sportswear brand. Nicknamed “the crocodile wine”, the Château is keen to point out that any connection is coincidental.
Keeping good company
Offering superb value for money, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is consistently on a par with its other Pauillac neighbours. These include heavyweights such as Château Mouton Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild, and Pontet Canet and Château d’Armailhac further north. Additionally, the Borie family are keen to keep up with the latest technology and added controversial optical sorters to its cellars in 2012. Oval vats were added the same year, and vintages since then have been noticeably higher in minerality.
Three is the magic number
The terroir is also of particular note. At approximately 20 metres elevation, this gravelly outcrop (or “puy”) with its layers of varying depths of gravel mixed with sand and a little clay, bear more resemblance to terroir belonging to Medoc’s First Growths. Grand Puy Lacoste’s favourable microclimate along with high-density planting also contribute to the exceptional quality of this Bordeaux wine. Savvy futures investors should note that the best vintages are always the product of a hot and dry summer, followed by a fine late-growing season. Production is at 10,000 cases per year.
Notable facts and vintages
  • Recently, 1995, 1996 and 2000 are wines of significant class. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2010 look very much of the same order.
  • 1990 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste received Robert Parker Wine Advocate’s 96/100. “One of those monumental Grand Puy Lacostes that you can't have enough of”.
  • 2017 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste earned 91/93 from Neal Martin, who noted “A quintessential Grand Puy Lacoste, without the frills of the 2016 and yet you can already imagine this being drunk to the very last drop in about ten years’ time. It is simply a very likeable Grand Puy Lacoste in the making”.
  • 1982 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a prime example of fine Bordeaux wine, referenced in a 2019 article from celebrated auction house Christie’s, titled “5 of the best Bordeaux vintages to own and collect” - though investors may look to more recent vintages with equivalent aggregate score (such as 2015/93 points) for further ageing and investment potential.