Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
This famous and historic Saint Julien 2nd growth is popular throughout the world. This is a large vineyard of 82 hectare which surrounds the château and has changed little in size since the 1855 classification. The grape varieties are 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château Gruaud Larose
Elegant yet driven with gentle power, nothing going overboard or trying too hard. This takes a beat, then it comes strongly - evident spice and flesh, full of raspberry, blueberry, blackcurrant pastille, fennel, hawthorn and liquorice. The tannins build up through the palate and press in on the final moments. Virginie Salette winemaker since 2017. A yield of 32hl/ha. Vinify at around 22-23°C, so an extremely low and slow extraction. Harvest was from September 14 to 29. A big shouldered St-Julien but with a wide nuance of flavours.
Drinking Window 2028 - 2042
79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample.
Highest percentage yet of Cabernet in the blend. Fruit-driven and structured. Plenty of drive from the word go. Builds on the palate in persistent fashion, the refined tannins giving a long linear flow. Lovely fruit. Delicious now but has ageing potential. (JL)
Drink 2028 – 2045
The 2020 is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. We have been unable to taste this wine En Primeur this year.