2009 Chateau Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1x750ml

Vinous 93

The 2009 Gruaud Larose is far superior to the previous vintage; interestingly, the first vintage is based on only Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. There’s much more fruit concentration here, with blackberry and raspberry laced with iodine and incense. It is cohesive, though not as complex as the bottle four years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, dark chocolate, sage and a long tail on the finish. There is an immediate attraction to this Gruaud Larose, though I suspect it will not get much better than it is now. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the chateau in February 2023. [Neal Martin, 27/03/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2048

Robert Parker 95

The 2009 Gruaud Larose is blended of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. Medium to deep garnet colored, it charges forth with warm black raspberries, creme de cassis and redcurrant jelly notes with touches of potpourri, cigar box, new leather, hoisin and molten chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with black fruits and savory layers with a firm, grainy texture and seamless freshness lifting the long earth-laced finish. [Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 23/02/2019]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2042