1998 Gruaud Larose
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Tasting notes
Deep plum in colour, this is utterly gorgeous. A real sense of energy and drive through the palate, with a savoury brushed-velvet quality to the tannins that takes you straight into St Julien, this magic corner of Bordeaux. Tobacco, campfire notes, black cherry, raspberry puree and saffron strands. Not quite as persistent as you might first imagine, but this is a beautiful wine. They were using a touch of Malbec at this point, pulled up as of 2008. Harvest September 29 to October 13, 35% new oak.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1998 Gruaud Larose is a vintage that I have only tasted once before, just after bottling. It has a deep, slightly turbid core with just a thin line of bricking on the rim. The nose is a little simple compared to other vintages, but it is undeniably charming with blackberry, sandalwood and a discrete touch of peppermint. It just misses the precision more recent vintages have shown. The palate is medium-bodied with gritty tannin. This is a masculine Gruaud Larose, quite structured with satisfying freshness. Broad-shouldered with a tarry, undergrowth-tinged finish, this is a fine Saint Julien that should drink well for another decade even if it does lack a bit of grace. Tasted at the château.
Gruaud-Larose has fashioned an elegant, less rustic wine than previous vintages. The color is a healthy dark ruby/purple. The bouquet offers aromas of plums, black raspberries, and cassis. Stylish, with medium to full body, sweet tannin, and excellent purity as well as overall symmetry, it will drink well between 2004-2016.
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.