Gruaud Larose 2011

St Julien, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

Rich, evolved, cedary, black currant and cherry fruit are present in this dark ruby-colored 2011. With medium body, pleasant ripeness and fruitiness, good purity and depth but no herbaceousness or hardness, it has a precocious, flattering, up-front appeal that suggests it will drink well for 10-15 years.

Score: 89

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2029 01 April 2014

I would have rated the 2011 Gruaud Larose slightly higher if it had not been for the abundant, dry, slightly astringent tannins in the finish. Nevertheless, there is a lot to like about this plum/purple-tinged St.-Julien. Notes of unsmoked, high quality cigar tobacco are intertwined with plum, black currant and dusty, earthy, loamy soil characteristics. The wine reveals good richness, medium body and a structured, somewhat formidable level of tannin that needs to melt away before this 2011 can be fully enjoyed. Give it 2-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades.

Score: 89 - 91

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2034 27 April 2012

The 2011 Gruaud Larose is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc (no Petit Verdot this year) picked from 14th September with the Merlot and finishing with the Cabernet on the 28th. It has 13.05% alcohol and an IPT of 74 and is being aged in 40% new oak. Tasted three times including at the property, it has a rounded bouquet with ripe blackcurrant aromas that is missing a little depth and has a metallic tincture. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft entry. It is a more feminine take on Gruaud, perhaps missing a little backbone and structure, but it displays fine purity and sweetness towards the finish. I am just looking for a little tension and precision. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 89 - 91

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

Deep dark cherry and inky core. Oak and cassis vie for dominance on the nose and there's perhaps a note of brett here too giving hardness on the palate. Some char and chocolate. Nice freshness but the tannins are a bit thick and the whole is rather hard work. (JH)

Score: 15 - 16

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2017-2026 16 April 2012

Rich, supple, slightly spicy fruit, attractive touch of oak, seductively forward but will age well.

Score: 17

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2025 16 April 2012

A stony, slightly austere style, showing iron and steeped red currant fruit, with bitter cherry notes running through the finish. There's a slightly rustic edge, but also solid concentration.

Score: 90 - 93

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 11 April 2012

A very harmonious wine for the vintage with currants, spices and stones. Full body, with ultra fine tannins and a pretty finish. Delicate yet structured for the vintage.

Score: 92 - 93

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012