| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Rich, evolved, cedary, black currant and cherry fruit are present in this dark ruby-colored 2011. With medium body, pleasant ripeness and fruitiness, good purity and depth but no herbaceousness or hardness, it has a precocious, flattering, up-front appeal that suggests it will drink well for 10-15 years.
The 2011 Gruaud Larose has a well-defined nose, more savoury, earthier in style, singed leather and undergrowth/damp moss infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, spicy red fruit laced with tobacco and a little soy. Fine tension here, quite harmonious towards the finish, this is a fine Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. 2022 - 2036
A very harmonious wine for the vintage with currants, spices and stones. Full body, with ultra fine tannins and a pretty finish. Delicate yet structured for the vintage.
This famous and historic Saint Julien 2nd growth is popular throughout the world and is usually released at the most reasonable price of all the so-called "super-seconds". The 82 hectare vineyard (one of the largest of the classed growths) produces a wine from 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc. Whilst other 2nd Growths (eg Ducru, Cos and Lascases) have gone for more concentration, big scores and higher prices, Gruaud seems to prefer to be a famous name giving value for money. Good black fruit here with aromas of currents, mint and coffee. Plump for the vintage with cream and black cherry notes. Quite forward and built for early-drinking pleasure. Well done.
The nose is filled out with sweet fruit mainly black fruits but there are some slightly fresher red behind. The tannins although firm feel ripe quite supple on the mid palate firmer at the back with a fresher feel on the finish.
Rich, supple, slightly spicy fruit, attractive touch of oak, seductively forward but will age well. Drink 2015-2025.
I would have rated the 2011 Gruaud Larose slightly higher if it had not been for the abundant, dry, slightly astringent tannins in the finish. Nevertheless, there is a lot to like about this plum/purple-tinged St.-Julien. Notes of unsmoked, high quality cigar tobacco are intertwined with plum, black currant and dusty, earthy, loamy soil characteristics. The wine reveals good richness, medium body and a structured, somewhat formidable level of tannin that needs to melt away before this 2011 can be fully enjoyed. Give it 2-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades.
The 2011 Gruaud Larose is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc (no Petit Verdot this year) picked from 14th September with the Merlot and finishing with the Cabernet on the 28th. It has 13.05% alcohol and an IPT of 74 and is being aged in 40% new oak. Tasted three times including at the property, it has a rounded bouquet with ripe blackcurrant aromas that is missing a little depth and has a metallic tincture. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft entry. It is a more feminine take on Gruaud, perhaps missing a little backbone and structure, but it displays fine purity and sweetness towards the finish. I am just looking for a little tension and precision. Tasted April 2012.
