Château Gruaud Larose 2021

IN BOND

Delivery 2024

Appellation - St Julien

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc

TASTING NOTES

"The 2021 Gruaud Larose is very impressive, exhibiting deep aromas of wild berries, cherries and cassis mingled with hints of licorice, violets and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's impressively rich and layered, with lively acids and ripe tannins, it concludes with a pure and penetrating finish. Classically balanced and intensely flavored, it's an elegant, beautifully made wine that is well worth seeking out. Three beautiful parcels of recently planted Cabernet Sauvignon, situated on deep gravel ideally adapted to this variety but hitherto planted with Merlot, make a contribution to the blend this year; but that's only one of the factors that explain why Gruaud has produced a 2021 that looks set to rival or surpass even recent and more propitious vintages such as 2018. The blend is fully 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 12% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, and it checks in at 12.5% alcohol. Congratulations are in order for technical director Virginie Sallette and the entire team at Gruaud Larose! Tasted twice."
94/95+
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (260), April 2022

"The 2021 Gruaud Larose is made from 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 23 September to 7 October, and aging in 95% new oak for an anticipated 18 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a lot of coaxing to unlock notes of ripe blackcurrants, fresh blackberries, and mulberries, leading to wafts of pencil shavings, dried roses, and crushed rocks, plus a hint of tapenade. Light to medium-bodied, the palate has great tension and energy with a great backbone of ripe grainy tannins and loads of mineral and earth layers, finishing with a refreshing lift. It has an impressive quiet intensity that really works."
2025-2036
91/93
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2022

"Clearly Cabernet dominant, savoury with an attractive tannic frame. Should be accessible relatively early for a classified St Julien, but will age for a good few decades as there are plenty of well-textured tannins. Attractive floral notes give a gentle aromatic welcome, and the feel is elegant and finessed on the opening beats, with rose stems, raspberries, loganerries, white pepper, slate and liqourice. They have done a great job here, in the last year of organic conversion. 95% new oak."
94
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, April 2022