Chateau Gruaud Larose

Saint Julien

Location: Chateau Gruaud Larose is inland from Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Beychevelle, and Branaire-Ducru in the commune of St. Julien. (Appellation Saint Julien Controlée)

189 acres producing 32,000 cases.

Classification: Second growth.

Grape variety: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.

Average age of the vines - 40 years.

Vinification and aging: The wine is fermented in stainless steel vats, and aged in oak barrels for 20-22 months, renewed annually in thirds.

History: In 1757, Mr. Gruaud grouped a number of small vineyards together to form one large one, under his name. Eventually a descendant of the first owner took over the property. His name was Larose, and he immediately linked his name to the estate, bought by Mr. Desire Cordier in 1915. Managed under the direction of Mr. Georges Pauly, the highly respected director of Domaines Cordier, Gruaud Larose is one of St. Julien's most popular wines. Its large production has a quality that is consistently very high. One of the most continuously successful wines produced in Bordeaux, regardless of vintage.

Style: The wine is full bodied, but elegant with lots of fruit when young. The wine ages very well and develops all the characteristics of a great Bordeaux. Tends to be smoother and more elegant.

Food: an excellent complement to pork, duck and lamb.

'93 (7-14-00) (Parker 86) Reasonable nose, a bit minerally on the palate.  A good wine that is not especially typical of the normal style of the chateau. 

'88 (7-14-00)  Good if just a bit underwhelming.  Very drinkable at this time.  It will hold but not improve.