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Gruaud Larose 2008

St Julien, Second Growth

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Units Size GBP Price: Quantities Buy
Scores:
Wine Advocate Wine Spectator Burghound Jancis Robinson.com International Wine Cellar
90 88 - 91 - 17 -
Tasting Notes:

While the 2008 is not a blockbuster, it is a strong effort for the vintage. This dark plum/purple-hued wine reveals some background oak, licorice, earth, plum, black currant and cherry notes intertwined with a foresty/mossy component. Deep, polished and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin, it builds incrementally on the palate. This impressive 2008 will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for two decades.

Score: 90 , Wine Advocate Maturity: 2013-2033 Date: Tuesday 03 May 2011

While it is not the 2000 or 1990, the 2008 is the finest Gruaud Larose I have tasted in eight years. Not a blockbuster, it is more beefy and dense than other recent vintages, revealing notes of pine forest, smoke, herbs, licorice, black currants, and cedar. With high but ripe tannins, medium to full body, and a strong finish, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 20 years thereafter.

Score: 89 - 91 , Wine Advocate Maturity: 2011 - 2031 Date: Thursday 30 April 2009

Mid crimson with a pale rim. Very sweet for a St-Julien. Almost right bank ripeness. Sweet start. Not as classical as most St-Juliens. More forward and winning! Attractive drink for the medium term. Hint of chocolate even. Medium charge of tannins. Polished silky texture. Very beguiling.

Score: 17 , Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2013-21 Date: Wednesday 01 April 2009

A blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot. Moderate intensity on the nose, black fruits, a touch of soot, tobacco and smoke. Good definition but needs to coalesce. The palate is medium-bodied, grainy tannins, nice weight and acidity. Fresh and as always, full of character. The finish has a touch of spice and cedar to it – more Cabernet than usual. This is a restrained but nicely focused Gruaud.

Score: 90 - 92 , erobertparker.com Date: Wednesday 01 April 2009

Plummy and perfumed, with sweet spices and currants. Lovely subtle nose. Full- to medium-bodied, with fine tannins and lovely balance. Ripe and pretty fruit. Could get even better. —J.S.

Score: 88 - 91 , Wine Spectator Date: Wednesday 01 April 2009