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Gruaud Larose 2009

St Julien, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

As I wrote in my barrel tasting note, the 2009 appears to be the finest Gruaud Larose since their 1990. Some of my concerns about too much brett in previous vintages are long gone as the purity of the 2009 jumps out. Copious notes of sagebrush, cedar, cigar box, licorice, incense, blackberries and lead pencil shavings suggest a big Pauillac rather than a St.-Julien. Broad, rich and full-bodied with good balance and abundant, but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this big, masculine Gruaud Larose reveals remarkable finesse, richness, extract, density and a cascade of fruit that nearly hides the lofty tannins. This beauty should be at its best between 2020-2045.

Score: 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2020-2045 01 March 2012

This is the finest Gruaud Larose since the 1990. Without a hint of brett in the 2009, it exhibits an opaque purple color along with a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, new saddle leather, spice box, and boysenberries. Made in a rich, broad, savory, juicy style with lots of succulence, but none of the masculinity and ruggedness often found in this offering, this wine is loaded with concentration and extract. The tannins are largely concealed by the remarkable intensity of fruit and density. It should be drinkable in 7-8 years, and last for 30-40. (Tasted two times.)

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2017-2057 01 April 2010

I like the aromas of sliced mushroom, berries and wet earth, that follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a chewy finish. A fit, yet polished wine here. Try after 2020.

Score: 95

James Suckling, - Maturity: 2020+ 15 February 2012

Beautiful aromas of currant, black licorice and blueberry follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long, juicy finish. Big wine. Could be better than the classic 2000.

Score: 94 - 97

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2010

Dark crimson. Interesting leathery, almost Syrah-like notes. Very neat and satisfying. Savoury. Just a little austere on the finish. Drying tannins on the end. Very sweet.

Score: 16 - 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2016-2028 01 April 2010

Dense purple red, rich, robust warm autumn fruits, smooth and succulent, a touch of exotic spice, fine balance and length. Drink 2015-30. (17.5 points)

Score: 17 - 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2030 01 April 2010

70CS, 30M. Bright crimson. Attractive nose of sweetly ripe cherries, earth and cinnamon. Very ripe fruit, perhaps slightly jammy on the palate with chunky warm fruit, certainly less traditional than usual. Medium weight, with a slightly chalky tannins and a serious finish.

Score: 91 - 94

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 2010

Tasted at the château and the UGC. The crop was picked between 23rd September and 29th September for the Merlot and 2nd October to 17th October for the Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, this Gruaud has a tightly wound nose of black cherries, a touch of black plum and black truffle, good definition and with time some more exotic aromas: hints of honey and a little espresso. The palate is medium-bodied, very linear on the entry but displaying very good definition, with notes of blackberry, a touch of raspberry, espresso, a little white pepper and a meaty character. It expands very well towards the finish, maintaining excellent definition and clarity, very good poise, a biscuit element inflecting the pure black fruits, an insistent but gentle grip and great persistency. Somehow the 1982 is coming to mind, and that is a great thing. Tasted March 2010.

Score: 92 - 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 31 March 2010