Appellations

Gruaud Larose 2017

St Julien, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Gruaud Larose was picked from 15 to 20 September for the Merlot and from 21 to 3 October for the Cabernets, fermented in wood and cement tanks and aged in French oak, 80% new for 18 to 24 months. It comes in with 12.88° alcohol. Quite deep in colour, it has an introverted bouquet at first that demands a lot of coaxing from the glass. There are notes of black cherry, iodine and just a touch of pencil lead. The palate is medium-bodied with finely balanced. An unpretentious but pretty Gruaud Larose that is benefitted by what is clearly a prudent extraction. The oak is neatly integrated with a linear, almost pastille-like finish and quite a sustained aftertaste.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2040 Date: 01 May 2018

The 2017 Gruaud Larose is pliant, deep and quite expressive, while staying light on its feet. In 2017, Gruaud is a wine of precision and nuance rather than volume. There is lovely persistence and nuance in the glass. Even so, I can't help thinking there is quite a bit of unrealized potential here. All of the wine was fermented in oak vats, with slightly higher than normal temperatures for the Cabernets.

Score: 89 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 May 2018

Mid greyish crimson. Sweetness of black fruit and oak spice on the nose with a hint of vanilla. Fresh, very light on the palate but the tannins are silky enough to be in balance with this rather light-bodied wine. Harmonious but it seems too light for the very long term.

Score: 16 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2025-2032 Date: 27 April 2018

Rocking notes of spice box, forest floor, cedary herbs, and ample red and black fruits emerge from the 2017 Château Gruaud Larose. With medium-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity, and moderate tannin, it’s a classic, balanced, impeccably made wine from this terrific Saint-Julien estate.

Score: 90 - 92 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 23 April 2018

A firm and silky young red with an attractive center palate of fruit and hints of cedar. Fresh, tight and compacted.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 06 April 2018

Well-built, with plum and blackberry fruit that is very fresh, thanks to bright acidity. Light floral, anise and graphite notes add range. A savory streak keeps the finish going.

Score: 91 - 94 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 04 April 2018

This is a firm, well-placed cassis and redcurrant expression, ripe enough to highlight some of the best qualities of a classic St-Julien vintage, but not quite hitting its stride. Still, it has a lovely floral character and a fine tannic structure. An attractive, carefully expressed Gruaud Larose with lots to enjoy.

Score: 91 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2025-2038 Date: 01 April 2018