2005 Chateau Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1x750ml

Robert Parker 91

The Chateau Gruaud Larose 2005 has an open bouquet: quite savoury in style with touches of bacon fat and cured meat infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly angular tannin. The acidity is well judged although it still needs to develop a little cohesion towards the finish. It seems to have just lost a little length since I last tasted it ” obviously still going through its awkward “teenager” moment. I am sure it will come down from its bedroom at some point and those sage and thyme notes on the aftertaste continue to appeal.. [Neal Martin, 02/06/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040

Vinous 90

Good red-ruby. Redcurrant, leather and game on the expressive if slightly rustic nose. Sweet and concentrated but a bit youthfully aggressive, and not showing the refinement or definition of the 2006. Strong nutty oak component. Finishes with substantial tannins that are a bit richer and more fully buffered by the wine’s middle-palate material than those of the 2006. It will be interesting to compare these two vintages in ten years or so. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2008]