1962 Gruaud Larose

The 1962 Gruaud Larose has shown well over three or four encounters, though this is the best example I have met unequivocally. It has an astonishing fig and kirsch-tinged bouquet that exhibits remarkable intensity, becoming slightly medicinal and with conspicuous blackcurrant scants. Well-defined and ostentatious for a 1962 Left Bank. The palate is medium-bodied and shows more restraint than the aromatics. It is endowed with a firm backbone and substance with ripe blackberry, black cherries, leather and sous-bois towards its grippy finish with more fruit intensity than the 1952 served alongside. This Gruaud Larose is infused with a sense of classicism and is holding up well ot half a century. Tasted in April 2012 at the -2 vintage vertical at the chateau.