1991 Gruaud Larose
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Tasting notes
The 1991 Gruaud Larose has far more ripeness and richness than expected for this off-vintage. It has a pretty bouquet with scents of mulberry, wild strawberry and a faint touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied with fine definition and vigor, although the tannins have some hardness. My appreciation gradually becomes more tempered as I feel that the constituents are not entirely syncing with each other, and there is undeniably some astringency on the finish. It is not a write-off by any means, though bottles ought to be consumed by now. Tasted in April 2012 at the "-1 vintage" vertical at the château.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
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The 1991, with its dark color and leathery, smoked meat, tar, and licorice-scented nose, is a returm to the estate's bold, intense style. Spicy, with sweet fruit, low acidity, and a soft, plump texture, it is already drinking well and will last for another 8-10 years. If in fact the 1989 and 1990 were intentionally made in a lighter style, the 1992 also gives evidence that Gruaud-Larose may have returned to the forceful, robust, muscular style that made the estate famous.
The 1991, with its dark color and leathery, smoked meat, tar, and licorice-scented nose, is a returm to the estate's bold, intense style. Spicy, with sweet fruit, low acidity, and a soft, plump texture, it is already drinking well and will last for another 8-10 years. If in fact the 1989 and 1990 were intentionally made in a lighter style, the 1992 also gives evidence that Gruaud-Larose may have returned to the forceful, robust, muscular style that made the estate famous. Feb 1994, www.robertparker.com
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.