2007 Grand Puy Lacoste

The balance is impressive, with aromas of dusty spices, mint, berries, currants, white pepper and touches of cigar and tomato leaves. The palate is smooth and juicy, with a medium body and smooth tannins before a long, nuanced finish. 72% cabernet sauvignon and 28% merlot. 13.5% alcohol. Delicious now, and it can develop well for another few years thanks to the balance it shows. Drink or hold. From a vertical tasting at the winery.

Extremely fragrant, this confims what I am finding with many 2007s right now - that this is a great moment to drink them. This has gorgeous swirling smoke aromatics, black tea, tar, eucaplyptus, mint, beautifully sweet plum, black cherry and blackberry fruits, just the most perfect moment to drink this wine and punching way above expectations. That is phenomenally elegant, juicy, mouthwatering with tension and fine tannins that you can feel stretching out. The surprise of the vertical for me. If you are going to pick one to open now, this is the one. Harvest September 24 to October 8.