Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a wine estate situated on a low hillock (or "puy") above the village of Bages in the Pauillac region of the Médoc. Classified as a fifth growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant grand vin is known for its velvety texture and cigar box and cassis aromas. A second wine, Lacoste-Borie, is made from lots declassified from the grand vin and tends to have a higher proportion of Merlot. Grand-Puy-Lacoste, sometimes shortened to "GPL" in some circles, is a well-regarded estate. Sometimes considered as outperforming its fifth-growth status, it is often cited for its good value among its stablemates and neighbors in Pauillac. Château Lynch-Bages (a prime contender for reclassification higher than its 1855 status as another fifth gowth) lies due east, with Château Batailley to the south. Due north, albeit over one of the drainage streams that bisect the Haut-Médoc in this area, is Château Pontet-Canet (another fifth growth that far outperforms its initial ranking) while to the west is Grand Puy Ducasse. The Grand-Puy-Lacoste vineyard is sited around the eponymous château and covers 55 hectares (136 acres) of the wider estate. It is planted 75 percent to Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 percent Merlot and 5 percent Cabernet Franc. A map of the estate vineyards The soil is a classic Médoc mix of layers of gravel of differing depths, mixed with sand and a little clay. With good drainage from the soils, Pauillac's proximity to the Gironde estuary also moderates weather extremes and helps to guard against frost. Grapes are fermented in 43 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, sized to correspond to specific parcels of vines. Vats are then tasted and a blend is made before ageing. In the barrel hall at the estate | Grand-Puy-Lacoste sees 16 to 18 months in oak (two-thirds new wood), while Lacoste-Borie has 14 to 16 months in oak, 45 percent of which is new. The estate, which dates back to the 16th Century, has seen numerous family owners across the centuries. It is currently managed by François-Xavier Borie, whose family has owned the estate since 1978.