| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Meaty, smoky, sweet berry and black currant characteristics intertwined with roasted herb, charcoal, new saddle leather, and bloody steak juice-like notes are found in this lush, full-bodied, opulent wine. It is a fully mature 1990 that, given its depth and intensity, should continue to evolve for at least another 15 years.
An estate known for its long ageing, and here it has softened at 31 years old, but still offering silky tannins and autumnal fruits with cedar smoked oak, marzipan, dried leather and gentle truffled spice. A thoroughly enjoyable Gruaud Larose showcasing old-school St-Julien balance. Clear crushed mint leaf on the finish, utterly moreish. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend; 33% new oak. Drinking Window: 2021 - 2035
This wine continues to get better and better and is certainly one of the great successes in what is a profound vintage for Bordeaux. While the wine still tastes young, it is already complex, with so much sweet tannin and lavish fruit that it is impossible to resist, even though it probably will not hit its plateau of maturity for another 5-6 years. A stunning nose of licorice, earth, cedar, proveneal herbs, black currants, asphalt and cherries from the glass. Full-bodied, opulent with fabulous concentration, a seamlesstexture and remarkable suffing and power, this low-acid, thick, almost viscous wine can be drunk now or cellared for at least another two decades. For trivia buffs, this was the wine President Chirac served for former President Clinton when he hosted Clinton in Pari at the famous Parisian bistro L'Ami Louis in June 1999. I know because several days later President Chirac gave me the legion of honour. In his speech, he acknowledged the fact that President Clinton only wanted to "drink a wine highly rated by Robert Parker". Anticipated maturity: now - 2020. Last tasted 9/02
This superb wine has a sensational nose of jammy black cherries, earth, cedar and herbs and has become far more intense and striking. The wine displays sensational richness and power…the low acidity emphasizes the thick, juicy, succulent fruit in this backward yet rich chewy wine. Drink 1999 - 2020.
