CHÂTEAU GRUAUD LAROSE

Toasted caramel notes on the opening beats, with a gourmet roundness through the mid palate that is a little more marked than you might expect. Clear sense of freshness and lift, along with a silky texture to the tannins. This is a very successful 2004, particularly in comparison to some of the more abrupt tannins that you find from many in this vintage. Extremely high yields, over 50hl/h, 35% new oak, harvest Septembe 27 to October 19. Drinking range: 2021 - 2038 Rating: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter (Nov 2021)

The 2004 Gruaud Larose is a vintage that I have not tasted since 2011. This example, from a half-bottle, shows a little under-ripeness compared to vintages of similar age, but the aromatics are redeemed by their freshness. Black fruit intermingle with tobacco and tar, just a hint of hickory and clove loitering in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with quite “solid” tannin on the entry. Like many 2004s there is a foursquare, conservative element to this Gruaud Larose, but there is satisfying freshness. The finish delivers pleasing black pepper and allspice tinged notes that linger in the mouth. Drink now and over the next decade. Tasted at the château. Drinking range: 2019 - 2032 Rating: 89 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jul 2018)

Ruby-red. Expressive nose offers game, spice, tobacco, leather, underbrush, iron and exotic flowers. Supple and fine-grained, with currant and baked plum flavors complicated by chocolate and leather. A wine of moderate intensity and power for this property but rather suave. The cooler vintage character comes through on the finish, which features notes of raw currant and pepper and slightly dusty tannins. Rating: 88 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (May 2007)