1962 Gruaud Larose
Buying options
Tasting notes
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 scents. 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 at half a century. Tasted in April 2012 at the "-2 vintage" vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
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.
A surprisingly big, darkly colored wine that continues to perform admirably, the 1962 Gruaud-Larose remains concentrated for the vintage, with deep, black curranty, cedary, and herbaceous flavors, full body, and a satiny finish. This intensely fruity wine has drunk well and been fully mature for over two decades. It has yet to exhibit signs of cracking up--a testament to how long well-balanced Bordeaux can last at its apogee. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 11/89.
About the producer
Ch. Gruaud Larose is a Second Growth estate in Saint-Julien, Bordeaux. It is often considered one of the best-value Left Bank estates, with the wines occasionally matching those of the First Growths.