1966 Grand Puy Lacoste

Wonderful deep ruby – looks very healthy. Beautifully sweet with a certain delicacy now, though surely one of the more vigorous 1966s at more than 40 years old. Sweet and complete with a very slighlty dry finish  but still marching on.  Long and rewarding – not frail at all.  No awkwardness or austerity. A great 1966.   (JR)

A successful wine was produced by Grand-Puy-Lacoste in 1966. Now fully mature, with a moderately intense, smoky, cassis-dominated bouquet, soft, savory flavors, and somewhat of a short finish, this is an austere wine to enjoy over the next several years before it fades. Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in decline. Last tasted, 11/84.

The 1966 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is another vintage that I had never come across. Indeed, pre-1982 vintages of this Pauillac are thin on the ground. This has a classic nose of cigar box-tinged black fruit with quite a strong marine influence, more cedar-like scents emerging with time. The palate is lighter than the ’66 Cheval Blanc, yet there is a pleasing bitterness/salinity that keeps this on its toes, mellowing out marvellously towards the piquant, slightly leafy finish.