Château Gruaud-Larose
About Château Gruaud-Larose
Château Gruaud Larose in Saint Julien is one of the largest single block vineyards in Bordeaux. It was purchased by Jacques Merlaut in 1997. Under the Taillan Group he owns numerous Bordeaux vineyards such as Château Haut-Bages-Libéral and Château Chasse-Spleen.
With vineyards that haven't changed since the creation of the estate in 1781, they sit at the highest point of elevation on the Saint-Julien plateau, just to the west of Château Beychevelle. Although yet to be certified, Gruaud Larose has begun farming 100% of their vineyards following only biodynamic principles, starting with the 2019 vintage, and they are currently in the last year before organic certification.
The 82-hectare vineyard of Château Gruaud-Larose is planted with approximately 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Some of the parcels of vines are in close proximity to Château Talbot and Château Branaire-Ducru. Since the 2019 vintage, the estate has adopted organic viticulture and biodynamic practices that will undoubtedly take Château Gruaud Larose to new heights.
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(1x75cl) 1982Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1982 Gruaud Larose has long been one of the outstanding successes of the vintage alongside stablemate Talbot. This bottle is superb. Relatively youthful on the nose, it offers blackberry and mulberry fruit, veins of pressed violets, and is quite powerful with a subtle and complementary minty element. The palate is beautifully balanced with admirable density and grip. Very harmonious, silky in texture with a luxuriant finish, this is a Gruaud at the peak of its powers. Yes, please. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London.Inc. TAX€630.36 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1982 Gruaud Larose has long been one of the outstanding successes of the vintage alongside stablemate Talbot. This bottle is superb. Relatively youthful on the nose, it offers blackberry and mulberry fruit, veins of pressed violets, and is quite powerful with a subtle and complementary minty element. The palate is beautifully balanced with admirable density and grip. Very harmonious, silky in texture with a luxuriant finish, this is a Gruaud at the peak of its powers. Yes, please. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London.Inc. TAX€3,365.77 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Still tasting as if it were only 7-8 years of age, the dense, garnet/purple-colored 1986 Gruaud-Larose is evolving at a glacier pace. The wine still has mammoth structure, tremendous reserves of fruit and concentration, and a finish that lasts close to a minute. The wine is massive, very impressively constituted, with still some mouth-searing tannin to shed. Decanting of one to two hours in advance seems to soften it a bit, but this is a wine that seems to be almost immortal in terms of its longevity. It is a great Medoc classic, and certainly one of the most magnificent Gruaud-Larose ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 10/02.Inc. TAX€2,786.77 -
(6x150cl) 1993Vinous - Ian D'Agata (88)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc): Bright medium-deep red. Minerals and herbs lift delicate red berry and floral aromas. Enters the mouth fresh, suave and sweet, then turns slightly hollow in the middle, showing clean flavors of red cherry, tobacco and licorice. Finishes with surprising lingering sweetness for a so-so vintage. This charming, medium-bodied wine only lacks a little flesh for a higher score. This was a pleasant surprise in this vertical tasting and should make a very good restaurant wine.Inc. TAX€1,151.82 -
(12x75cl) 1996Vinous - Ian D'Agata (91+)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; IPT 74; 13% alcohol): Dark ruby. Deep, brooding nose hints at dark plum, blackcurrant, coffee and lavender accented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Enters bright and fresh, then turns richer in the middle, with accessible plum, herb and coffee flavors persisting nicely on the peppery finish, which features chewy tannins. This is at once more herbal and more forward than the 1995. It's also better than I remember it, and although still quite young it offers plenty of appeal. The wine's harmonious acidity makes it seem lighter-bodied than it is. About 40% of the malolactic fermentation was carried out in barriques, compared to a normal one-third. Note that the label states 12.5% alcohol, but the data given to me by the estate shows 13% alcohol.Inc. TAX€1,721.82 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (91+)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; IPT 74; 13% alcohol): Dark ruby. Deep, brooding nose hints at dark plum, blackcurrant, coffee and lavender accented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Enters bright and fresh, then turns richer in the middle, with accessible plum, herb and coffee flavors persisting nicely on the peppery finish, which features chewy tannins. This is at once more herbal and more forward than the 1995. It's also better than I remember it, and although still quite young it offers plenty of appeal. The wine's harmonious acidity makes it seem lighter-bodied than it is. About 40% of the malolactic fermentation was carried out in barriques, compared to a normal one-third. Note that the label states 12.5% alcohol, but the data given to me by the estate shows 13% alcohol.Inc. TAX€425.89 -
(1x600cl) 1997Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87-90)
Dark red-ruby color. Superripe aromas of syrupy redcurrant, blueberry, cassis, cocoa, coffee and oak spice; distinct notes of surmaturite Fat, supple and soft in the mouth, with very good depth of flavor. This is thick for the vintage, but will it stay fresh? Superripe flavors are slightly rustic. Finishes with even, fine tannins. Should develop fairly quickly.Inc. TAX€1,000.33 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)
Deep ruby. Black fruits, espresso, violet and licorice on the nose. Reasonably concentrated and not at all hard; flavors build slowly in the mouth. I don't yet get a sense of thorough flavor development-this is rather grapey at the moment-but there good gras and texture. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins that coat most of the palate, and good lingering fruit.Inc. TAX€1,691.56 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€794.09 -
(3x300cl) 2000Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€2,269.46 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€1,270.32 -
(1x75cl) 2001Wine Enthusiast (94)
What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.Inc. TAX€137.29 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.Inc. TAX€772.32 -
(1x75cl) 2002Inc. TAX€102.49 -
Inc. TAX€951.86 -
(6x75cl) 2002Inc. TAX€529.44 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€1,019.06 -
(1x75cl) 2003Wine Spectator (95-100)
Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€148.13 -
(24x37.5cl) 2003Wine Spectator (95-100)
Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€1,184.89 -
Wine & Spirit Magazine (91)
This has the plump richness typical of Gruaud, its potent extract fragrant with blueberry and tobacco in a standoff between the green and the black. The tannins are hidden behind all that fruit, not at all obvious, softened to chocolate scents. This should be at its best around ten years from the vintage.Inc. TAX€108.53 -
(12x75cl) 2005Inc. TAX€1,279.46 -
(6x150cl) 2006Wine Enthusiast (91)
Initially dominated by tannins, this wine is now evolving to show a softer, easier side. With sweet fruit and a delicious, refreshing juicy black currant acidity, the tannins are now the base of an approachable wine, offering considerable pleasure.Inc. TAX€1,212.37 -
(5x75cl) 2008Wine Enthusiast (91)
90-92 Barrel sample. Good density here, structured, with some jammy sweet fruits as well as a dark layer of dense tannins. The potential is well for a well balanced wine.Inc. TAX€592.97 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
A beautiful example of the estate and the vintage, you can dive right in to the depth of cassis and bilberry fruits, studded with tobacco leaf, charcoal, crushed rocks, cocoa powder and juicy raspberries. Delivers appellation typicity and then some, stretches out through the palate, excellent quality. It's not the power so much as the perfect placing, everything working together to deliver a delicious drinking claret - and it's one where I would recommend the 2009 over the 2010, at least for the next decade. Eric Boissenot consultant, 50% new oak.Inc. TAX€1,239.86 -
(8x75cl) 2009Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
A beautiful example of the estate and the vintage, you can dive right in to the depth of cassis and bilberry fruits, studded with tobacco leaf, charcoal, crushed rocks, cocoa powder and juicy raspberries. Delivers appellation typicity and then some, stretches out through the palate, excellent quality. It's not the power so much as the perfect placing, everything working together to deliver a delicious drinking claret - and it's one where I would recommend the 2009 over the 2010, at least for the next decade. Eric Boissenot consultant, 50% new oak.Inc. TAX€1,102.12 -
(6x75cl) 2010Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
This has plenty of fleshy tannins and depth through the mid palate, with waves of cassis, rosebud and liquorice root, melted cocoa and campfire smoke, totally charming and very St Julien, but the architecture remains fairly tight on the finish, and it will benefit from a little longer in bottle. Eric Boissenot consultant, 50% new oak. Harvest September 28 to October 13.Inc. TAX€675.83 -
James Suckling (93)
A silky and fine red with blueberry, blackberry and floral character. Hints of hazelnuts. Full body, integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Persistent too. Better in 2017.Inc. TAX€111.08 -
(8x75cl) 2012James Suckling (93)
A silky and fine red with blueberry, blackberry and floral character. Hints of hazelnuts. Full body, integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Persistent too. Better in 2017.Inc. TAX€841.79 -
(2x75cl) 2013Vinous - Ian D'Agata (86-88)
Medium ruby. Blueberry and licorice aromas are complemented by graphite, cedar and loam. Sweet and nicely delineated but a little light, with medicinal flavors of dark berries and flinty licorice. In a shell now but shows decent underlying density and fine-grained tannins. Finishes with chewy tannins and good length. One of the lightest Gruauds in memory, but this balanced wine should offer plenty of early appeal.Inc. TAX€208.70 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2014 Gruaud Larose has a sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, minerals, raspberry coulis and cedar aromas that waft generously from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, crisp and focused with impressive density in the mouth. It is grippy and assertive; clearly a Saint Julien predesigned for long-term ageing, with a precise finish that bodes well for the future. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.Inc. TAX€981.86
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(1x75cl) 1982Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1982 Gruaud Larose has long been one of the outstanding successes of the vintage alongside stablemate Talbot. This bottle is superb. Relatively youthful on the nose, it offers blackberry and mulberry fruit, veins of pressed violets, and is quite powerful with a subtle and complementary minty element. The palate is beautifully balanced with admirable density and grip. Very harmonious, silky in texture with a luxuriant finish, this is a Gruaud at the peak of its powers. Yes, please. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London.In Bond€522.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)
The 1982 Gruaud Larose has long been one of the outstanding successes of the vintage alongside stablemate Talbot. This bottle is superb. Relatively youthful on the nose, it offers blackberry and mulberry fruit, veins of pressed violets, and is quite powerful with a subtle and complementary minty element. The palate is beautifully balanced with admirable density and grip. Very harmonious, silky in texture with a luxuriant finish, this is a Gruaud at the peak of its powers. Yes, please. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London.In Bond€2,785.00 -
Wine Advocate (96)
Still tasting as if it were only 7-8 years of age, the dense, garnet/purple-colored 1986 Gruaud-Larose is evolving at a glacier pace. The wine still has mammoth structure, tremendous reserves of fruit and concentration, and a finish that lasts close to a minute. The wine is massive, very impressively constituted, with still some mouth-searing tannin to shed. Decanting of one to two hours in advance seems to soften it a bit, but this is a wine that seems to be almost immortal in terms of its longevity. It is a great Medoc classic, and certainly one of the most magnificent Gruaud-Larose ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2035. Last tasted, 10/02.In Bond€2,285.00 -
(6x150cl) 1993Vinous - Ian D'Agata (88)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc): Bright medium-deep red. Minerals and herbs lift delicate red berry and floral aromas. Enters the mouth fresh, suave and sweet, then turns slightly hollow in the middle, showing clean flavors of red cherry, tobacco and licorice. Finishes with surprising lingering sweetness for a so-so vintage. This charming, medium-bodied wine only lacks a little flesh for a higher score. This was a pleasant surprise in this vertical tasting and should make a very good restaurant wine.In Bond€915.00 -
(12x75cl) 1996Vinous - Ian D'Agata (91+)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; IPT 74; 13% alcohol): Dark ruby. Deep, brooding nose hints at dark plum, blackcurrant, coffee and lavender accented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Enters bright and fresh, then turns richer in the middle, with accessible plum, herb and coffee flavors persisting nicely on the peppery finish, which features chewy tannins. This is at once more herbal and more forward than the 1995. It's also better than I remember it, and although still quite young it offers plenty of appeal. The wine's harmonious acidity makes it seem lighter-bodied than it is. About 40% of the malolactic fermentation was carried out in barriques, compared to a normal one-third. Note that the label states 12.5% alcohol, but the data given to me by the estate shows 13% alcohol.In Bond€1,395.00 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (91+)
(64% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot; IPT 74; 13% alcohol): Dark ruby. Deep, brooding nose hints at dark plum, blackcurrant, coffee and lavender accented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Enters bright and fresh, then turns richer in the middle, with accessible plum, herb and coffee flavors persisting nicely on the peppery finish, which features chewy tannins. This is at once more herbal and more forward than the 1995. It's also better than I remember it, and although still quite young it offers plenty of appeal. The wine's harmonious acidity makes it seem lighter-bodied than it is. About 40% of the malolactic fermentation was carried out in barriques, compared to a normal one-third. Note that the label states 12.5% alcohol, but the data given to me by the estate shows 13% alcohol.In Bond€345.00 -
(1x600cl) 1997Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87-90)
Dark red-ruby color. Superripe aromas of syrupy redcurrant, blueberry, cassis, cocoa, coffee and oak spice; distinct notes of surmaturite Fat, supple and soft in the mouth, with very good depth of flavor. This is thick for the vintage, but will it stay fresh? Superripe flavors are slightly rustic. Finishes with even, fine tannins. Should develop fairly quickly.In Bond€808.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)
Deep ruby. Black fruits, espresso, violet and licorice on the nose. Reasonably concentrated and not at all hard; flavors build slowly in the mouth. I don't yet get a sense of thorough flavor development-this is rather grapey at the moment-but there good gras and texture. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins that coat most of the palate, and good lingering fruit.In Bond€1,370.00 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100In Bond€648.00 -
(3x300cl) 2000Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100In Bond€1,850.00 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100In Bond€1,038.00 -
(1x75cl) 2001Wine Enthusiast (94)
What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.In Bond€111.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (94)
What a perfumed, elegant, structured wine, with all the elements of fruit, wood, tannins just in the right place. It shows great tannins, powerful black and red berry fruits, denseness, and a classic, fresh aftertaste.In Bond€623.00 -
(1x75cl) 2002In Bond€82.00 -
In Bond€752.00 -
(6x75cl) 2002In Bond€422.00 -
Wine Spectator (95-100)
Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100In Bond€808.00 -
(1x75cl) 2003Wine Spectator (95-100)
Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100In Bond€120.00 -
(24x37.5cl) 2003Wine Spectator (95-100)
Pure cassis and raspberry sauce with vanilla. Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a finish that lasts a very long time. Awesome wine. This is very close in quality to the 2000. Score range: 95-100In Bond€949.00 -
Wine & Spirit Magazine (91)
This has the plump richness typical of Gruaud, its potent extract fragrant with blueberry and tobacco in a standoff between the green and the black. The tannins are hidden behind all that fruit, not at all obvious, softened to chocolate scents. This should be at its best around ten years from the vintage.In Bond€87.00 -
(12x75cl) 2005In Bond€1,025.00 -
(6x150cl) 2006Wine Enthusiast (91)
Initially dominated by tannins, this wine is now evolving to show a softer, easier side. With sweet fruit and a delicious, refreshing juicy black currant acidity, the tannins are now the base of an approachable wine, offering considerable pleasure.In Bond€973.00 -
(5x75cl) 2008Wine Enthusiast (91)
90-92 Barrel sample. Good density here, structured, with some jammy sweet fruits as well as a dark layer of dense tannins. The potential is well for a well balanced wine.In Bond€477.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
A beautiful example of the estate and the vintage, you can dive right in to the depth of cassis and bilberry fruits, studded with tobacco leaf, charcoal, crushed rocks, cocoa powder and juicy raspberries. Delivers appellation typicity and then some, stretches out through the palate, excellent quality. It's not the power so much as the perfect placing, everything working together to deliver a delicious drinking claret - and it's one where I would recommend the 2009 over the 2010, at least for the next decade. Eric Boissenot consultant, 50% new oak.In Bond€992.00 -
(8x75cl) 2009Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)
A beautiful example of the estate and the vintage, you can dive right in to the depth of cassis and bilberry fruits, studded with tobacco leaf, charcoal, crushed rocks, cocoa powder and juicy raspberries. Delivers appellation typicity and then some, stretches out through the palate, excellent quality. It's not the power so much as the perfect placing, everything working together to deliver a delicious drinking claret - and it's one where I would recommend the 2009 over the 2010, at least for the next decade. Eric Boissenot consultant, 50% new oak.In Bond€891.00 -
(6x75cl) 2010Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
This has plenty of fleshy tannins and depth through the mid palate, with waves of cassis, rosebud and liquorice root, melted cocoa and campfire smoke, totally charming and very St Julien, but the architecture remains fairly tight on the finish, and it will benefit from a little longer in bottle. Eric Boissenot consultant, 50% new oak. Harvest September 28 to October 13.In Bond€541.00 -
James Suckling (93)
A silky and fine red with blueberry, blackberry and floral character. Hints of hazelnuts. Full body, integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Persistent too. Better in 2017.In Bond€89.00 -
(8x75cl) 2012James Suckling (93)
A silky and fine red with blueberry, blackberry and floral character. Hints of hazelnuts. Full body, integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Persistent too. Better in 2017.In Bond€673.00 -
(2x75cl) 2013Vinous - Ian D'Agata (86-88)
Medium ruby. Blueberry and licorice aromas are complemented by graphite, cedar and loam. Sweet and nicely delineated but a little light, with medicinal flavors of dark berries and flinty licorice. In a shell now but shows decent underlying density and fine-grained tannins. Finishes with chewy tannins and good length. One of the lightest Gruauds in memory, but this balanced wine should offer plenty of early appeal.In Bond€166.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2014 Gruaud Larose has a sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, minerals, raspberry coulis and cedar aromas that waft generously from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, crisp and focused with impressive density in the mouth. It is grippy and assertive; clearly a Saint Julien predesigned for long-term ageing, with a precise finish that bodes well for the future. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.In Bond€777.00

