2001 Gruaud Larose
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Tasting notes
This 2001 was a real highlight of a recent vertical of Gruaud-Larose, characterised by impressive freshness and concentration. The nose is scented with cassis, liquorice and herbal spice, with a pot-pourri lift. On the palate, it's full of crunchy fresh fruit, still with a pleasing firmness to the tannic framework, giving structure to the wine. The acidity is moreish, driving the long and subtle finish, with tertiary notes of leather, smoke and roasted herbs. Still vibrant, this is drinking very well now, after more than two decades in bottle, and will continue to evolve over the next 10 years before holding for another five to 10. Drink now to 2042."
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2001 Gruaud Larose is clearly fresher and cleaner on the nose than the preceding vintage, with blackberry, dark chocolate and light loamy scents. With aeration, there is just a touch of wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, a little square-jawed for a Gruaud, maybe just missing a little depth and concentration on the finish. That said, on reflection, this has more precision than the millennial vintage, with a dab of soy lending intrigue to the aftertaste. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023.
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot. Pale brick hue. More complexity and presence than the 2000. Forest-floor notes with a hint of cedar and spice. Still upright and structured, the fruit holding. Acidity a little intrusive but maintains freshness. (JL)
There is a subtlety to this that strikes you immediately - gentle smoke, cold ash, tobacco, white truffle, brambled blackberry fruits, mint leaf, totally sublime, my favourite of the line up so far. It plays to the strengths of St Julien, and plays with nuanced light-and-shade in a way that the 2000 does not at this point. This is a high score for Gruaud Larose, and reflects the heights that this vintage is reaching right now - tracking how long it stays at this level is part of the beauty of wine. I tasted two versions, one decanted and one not - the smokey side is more evident in the carafe, but I preferred allowing it to open more slowly in the glass. Harvest September 21 to October 4, 35% new oak.
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.