1966 Château Gruaud Larose

The 1966 Gruaud Larose is a vintage that I have not tasted for some time. Showing modest bricking on the rim, the nose is fully mature, with touches of shoe leather and tobacco infusing the ample fruit, as well as hints of sloe and mulberry. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. Foursquare and correct, it is a typical 1966, conservative and classic in style. There is a nice piquancy here, and though it does not have the dimension and depth of the 1961, there is satisfying freshness and a subtle pepperiness that lingers on the tongue. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023.

The 1966 Gruaud Larose from magnum is much better than the solitary bottle previously encountered. It has a beguiling nose that shows up the curmudgeonly 1945: black fruit, cedar and touches of licorice and mint make up one of the most vivacious bouquets you will find in this vintage on the Left Bank. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, and maybe a little foursquare, like many 1966s, yet fresh and vital, offering good tension and notes of pencil lead, autumn leaves and a touch of black pepper towards a finish that feels very assured. This is a great 1966 Saint-Julien that is chugging along nicely. Tasted at the Lafaurie-Peyraguey vertical in Bordeaux.

Such a treat. May have been offloaded by Greene King. Ullaged to the shoulder. Relatively pale rim. Limpid dark ruby. What a treat to smell really mature claret! Absolutely vivid with a bouquet of dried rose petals. Lots of firm fruit and refined acidity. Delicate and I’d be careful what I served it with (come in E P-R) but mellifluous and sweet with really vibrant fruit. Clean as a whistle on the finish. Though not that long. (JR)