Monday 2 January 2012

Chateau Gruaud Larose 1998: A fine full bodied Saint-Julien


I shared a bottle of Chateau Gruaud Larose 1998 with a friend over Christmas, as a bit of a treat given the price (Around £45). Here's a little bit more about it.

With a mix of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec it's a big bold Saint-Julien wine. Robert Parker give it an 88, which I'd say was about right.

For around that price (£40-50) I'd suggest that Chateau Meyney 1989 is more of a bargain, if you can call it that within this price range. That wine scores over 90 from Parker, and deservedly so.

But the Gruaud Larose is still a lovely wine. Big bold, deep red/purple colours, intense fruit and a hint of age give way to a lengthy, full and supple finish. It's very full-bodied for a Saint-Julien wine, which is one reason I loved it. Jancis Robinson calls it "crimson" coloured, which describes it perfectly.

The 2008 and 2009 wines seem to be doing very well in terms of Parker scores.

More on that here.

No doubt the 2010 has been massively over-priced and will come down in 2011. We will see.

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