Château Gruaud Larose

Saint- Julien 2 Grand Cru Classé

2018 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 19 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, anise, spices, detailed, elegant texture, floral notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, some spices, liquorice, elegant texture, structure behind, long finish. 93-95

2018 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, scented, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, spices, dark berries, elegant texture, good length. 88-90

2017 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 18 Ruby. Blueberries, cassis, fruity, paprika, scented, minerals, detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, detailed, intense, blueberries, nuanced, balanced, probably a bit too structured for some (as maybe not always, but often enough) but this is serious. 94-96

2016 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 19 Ruby. Cassis, dark fruits, spices, blueberries, some scented notes even if tight at this stage. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, spices, dark fruits, layered and long. 95

2016 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 17 Ruby. Minerals, fruity, anise, spices, detailed nose, floral, scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, intense, dark berries, red fruity, long. 95

2016 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 61CS 29M 7CF 3PV Ruby. Deeper nose, cassis. Vanilla, coffee, blackberries and blueberries nose, scented yet tight. Among the tightest this primeur. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins. Fresh, fruity, darker berries, spices, detailed, nuanced, long. 94-96

2016 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, cassis, dark fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, spices and blueberries, structured, good length. 89

2016 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby. Blackberries, anise, spices, fresh and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, detailed and elegant. 89-91

2015 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 18 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, anise, spices, layered, nuanced, intense, some richness and ripeness below. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blackberries, cassis, spices, juicy and structured, layered, tight. Long. Drink from 2030 to 2065. 95

2015 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 16 Ruby. Fruity, red berries and darker fruits, scented, elegant and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, ripe, rounded, elegant and long. 93-95

2014 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 15 Ruby. Dark fruits, intense, vanilla, floral, somewhat scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rounded texture, fresh and lively, long. 94

2014 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Ruby. Vanilla, spices, dark fruits, intense nose, slightly scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, intense, refreshing, detailed, lively, almost chewy texture, yet rounded, long. 92-94

2014 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby. Blueberries, fruity, spices, fresh nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, elegant, good length. 89

2014 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

JAN 19 57CS 30M 8CF 3PV 2 Mal. Ruby. Anise, blueberries, floral, tight nose at this stage. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, elegant, blueberries and cassis, long finish. Needs  two hours in decanter now, drink over the next ten years or so. 90

2014 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby. Vanilla, figs, cherries and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, elegant and lively, good length. 89

2013 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 14 Deep ruby. Scented, floral, detailed, layered, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, refreshing, elegant, detailed and long. Lovely effort. 91-93

2012 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 15 Ruby. Dark fruits, some spices, cassis, elegant nose, detailed, scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, structured, dark berries, some spices,  quite intense and long. 94

2012 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 13 Deep ruby. Fruity, scented and layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, elegant and refined, playful and long. Tasted four times from primeur until now, beautiful. 93-94

2012 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 13 Ruby. Slightly spicy, cassis and some floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity and lively, pure feel, long. 91-93

2012 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, dark fruits, scented, lighter nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, elegant, good length. 88

2012 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby. Blackberries, fruity, anise and spices nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, elegant, anise and blueberries, some tobacco, good length. 88

2012 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Ruby. Scented, red berries, delicate nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, leaner, easy going. 86

2011 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 18 Ruby. Cassis, blackberries, anise, spices, some vanilla notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, some spices, nuanced, needs two hours in decanter to open, long. 94

2011 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 17 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, anise, some vanilla and spices, light violets note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruits, anise, spices, blackberries, quite intense if tight at this stage, long. 94

2011 Château Gruaud Larose

SEP 15 Ruby. Dark fruits, cassis, some blueberries, lightly scented nose, fairly detailed and nuanced, fairly seductive already. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, ripe, quite intense, dark berries, some chocolate nose, faint mineral note as well, long. Fresh finish. 94

2011 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Deep ruby. Vanilla, cassis, ripe, fruity, spices, floral, violets. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, elegant, lovely fruit and balance, long finish. 93

2011 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 14 Rubinrød. Kaffe, røde bær, fruktig, krydret, solbær og plommer, strammere enn forrige flaske. Frisk syre, modne tanniner, frisk, detaljert, elegant, nesten leken, noe sødmefull og kjøttfull, lang. 94

2010 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Deep ruby. Scented, cassis, cooler, vanilla, spices, minerals, dark fruits. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, intense, dark fruits, ripe, structured, long. 95

2010 Château Gruaud Larose

SEP 11 Lovely nose, layered, and complex. Beautiful texture and structure, gives a statement, ripe tannins and very long length. 95-96

2010 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 11 Deep ruby, intense, yet layered, complex, superb balance, refined, superbly structured as well, fresh and lively, beautiful length. 94-96

2010 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, starting dates nose, maturing. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, blueberries, anise, spices, more youthful palate than nose, I would still drink this over the next five to seven years or so.

2010 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby. Scented, blueberries, some figs and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, elegant texture, long. 90

2010 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Ruby. Scented, fruity, intense, cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, lively, long. 90

2010 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 13 Deep ruby. Scented, berries, elegant and fruity nose.  Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, elegant and quite long. 88

2009 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Deep ruby. Rich, intense, scented, layered, vanilla, spices, dark fruits, leaps out of the glass. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, intense, sweet, ripe, chocolate, alcohol, opulent, long. 94

2009 Château Gruaud Larose
NOV 13 Ruby. Floral, scented, dark berries, seductive nose, nuanced and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, refreshing, intense, fruity and long. 95

2009 Château Gruaud-Larose

OCT 12 Deep ruby. Floral, scented, deep fruits, generous cassis, violets and cherries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, superb texture, lively and refreshing, very long finish. 94

2009 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

DEC 14 Ruby. Fruity, scented, dark berries and violets nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, lively, fresh, somewhat leaner finish, good length. 89

2008 Château Gruaud Larose

NOV 12 Ruby. Floral and scented over cassis and vanilla. Seductive nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant texture, refreshing and quite superb length. 93

2008 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Magnum. Ruby. Blueberries, scented, figs nose, elegant and maturing. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity if leaner, anise and figs. 89

2008 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

MAY 16 Ruby. Red berries and bell peppers nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fresh and detailed, fruity finish, good length. 88

2008 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Ruby. Scented, fruity, intense, detailed nose, lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, leaner palate, elegant, still structured lovely. 89

2008 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

SEP 14 (2nd Ch Gruaud Larose) Ruby. Scented, cassis, light bell peppers nose, slightly fruitier than last bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, leaner, elegant, slightly rustic texture that is polishing off, lovely, classic Médoc, good length. 89

2008 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 13 Ruby. Fruity, elegant and quite layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean but quite elegant. 87

2007 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 17 Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, anise, spices, nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, dark berries, some spices, long. 90

2007 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby. Tight nose, cassis, blueberries, some scented notes, touch herbal and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, some red berries, blueberries and cassis, tight and somewhat leaner, needs air or rather a few years more in the cellar. 90

2007 Gruaud Larose

FEB 17 Ruby. Scented, blackberries, fruity, some spices and anise nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, elegant. 89

2007 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 16 Ruby. Scented, red fruits, charming nose, floral, detailed, lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded after an hour in decanter, drinking beautifully now and over the next five to ten years. Long. 90

2007 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 16 Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, spices, floral, seductive nose, starting tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, juicy, long. 90

2007 Château Gruaud Larose

SEP 15 Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, some red berries, elegant and almost transparent nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rounded, quite elegant, slight rawness still far back, give it an hour in decanter. Drink over the next ten years or so. 90

2007 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 13 Ruby. Layered, complex, leather, cassis, bell peppers and vanilla. Fairly nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, mouthwatering, lean but lively, long. 89

2006 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, anise, spices, fresh nose, touch of mint and tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, cassis, structured, detailed, long. Needs time, very youthful. 95

2006 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 16 Ruby. Scented, red berries, nuanced, detailed, red berries, cassis, fresh and fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded texture, polishing off, fresh and elegant, long. 94

2006 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 11 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, mulberries, vanilla and spices nose. Fresh acidity, firm tannins, structured, edgy, quite intense with fruit and body to back it up, needs cellaring, even decanting doesn’t polish it enough now. 94

2006 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Ruby. Scented, fruity, minerals beneath, cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, lively, rounded texture, good length. 87

2006 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

MAY 14 Ruby. More subdued cassis and starting leather nose, needed time to open. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, fairly elegant, good length. 88

2006 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 13 Ruby, garnet rim. Fruity and elegant nose, starting figs. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and refreshing, lovely finish. 86

2005 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 At Gruaud Larose. Ruby. Anise, cassis, spices, blueberries, fruit driven, more open than a bottle some months ago. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, detailed, firm and tight even so, structured, dark berries, long. 95

2005 Château Gruaud Larose

OCT 18 Ruby. Dark fruits, cassis, blueberries, scented behind, still tight and firm. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruity, structured, tannic still, as most 2005’s still are, these are not opening up yet. Long. 95

2005 Château Gruaud Larose

SEP 15 Ruby. Dark fruits, scented, intense, some vanilla still, cassis and blueberries, quite elegant and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, ripe, lively, maturing but still youthful, long and detailed finish. 94

2004 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 04 Ruby. Cassis, vanilla, spices, fruity, ripe, scented, rich and detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rich, intense, detailed, bit tight still, long. 93

2004 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Ruby. Cassis, some figs, vanilla, some teak notes far back, maturing. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, figs, cassis and tobacco. 84

2004 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 13 Ruby with garnet rim. Scented, starting prunes, liquorice and cassis nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, quite elegant, good length. 86

2003 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 At the estate. Ruby. Scented, elegant, dark fruits, leather, exotic nose, fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and fruity, intense, rounded, dark berries turning towards redder fruits in finish, long. 94

2003 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 14 Ruby. Dark fruits, exotic spices, plums, cassis and starting leather. Fresh acidity, rounded structure, polished tannins, intense, dark fruits, long. 94

2003 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 14 Ruby. Scented, cassis, leather, tobacco, layered and complex nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, feels fresher every time I taste it, rounded, quite flirting and seductive. Long. 92

2002 Château Gruaud Larose

SEP 15 Bright ruby. Dark fruits, ripe notes, cassis, some red berries, blueberries, fruity. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, quite lively and delicate, refreshing, blueberries again, some mulberries and red fruits, elegant, long. 91

2001 Château Gruaud Larose

NOV 12 Ruby, a bit tight now, some herbs, cassis, leather, starting cigars. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, needs to be decanted or even better, cellared for another few years, long. 92

2001 Sarget de Gruaud Larose:

MAR 14 Ruby. Maturing nose, cherry stones, figs and cassis. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, a bit lean, drink soon. 87

2000 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby. Cassis, leather, exotic, fruity, vanilla, elegant, layered and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, fruity, detailed, elegant, rounded, long. Lovely balance. 95

2000 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 13 (Magnum) At the estate. Ruby, scented, vanilla, leather, complex and layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and lovely fruit, superb freshness to it, mouthwatering, drinking lovely even now but give it another ten years plus in the cellar for more mature notes. 95

2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

APR 13 Ruby with garnet rim. Scented. Elegant fruit, some figs, cassis and leather. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and fruity body, good length. 88

2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

MAY 10 Ruby. Closed nose, some vanilla and cassis notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured, fruity behind the texture, needs more air to open than it got, good length. 88

2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

NOV 09 Ruby with thin garnet rim, youthful still, hints of secondary aromas, blackcurrants, autumn leaves, cigars, hints of barrel aromas, bell peppers, some fresh dirt and chanterelles. Ok acidity, ripe tannins, good fruit intensity and medium body, a bit of dark chocolate at the end. Drink or keep another 5-8 years. 86

2000 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

NOV 08 Ruby. Dark fruity, cassis, vanilla, blackberries nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, fruity, surprisingly gripping for a second wine, good length. 88

1999 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, spices, dark fruity nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruity, spices, liquorice, spicy, minty, long. 92

1999 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 18 Ruby. Cassis, starting figs and dates, some cedar, floral notes and fine tobacco. Opens up nicely with an hour in decanter. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured, firm but again, softens with air, nuanced, layered, long. 93

1999 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 18 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, anise, some spices, minerals, some tobacco nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, juicy, detailed, playful, elegant body and texture, long. 93

1999 Gruaud Larose

DEC 17 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, blueberries, anise, dates, figs, tobacco, minerals, nuanced nose, detailed. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, detailed, anise, some spices, minerals, long. 91

1999 Château Gruaud-Larose

DEC 09 Ruby red, outstanding nose, cigars, a bit of vanilla, cedar, blackcurrants, bell peppers, cherries. Great acidity, well structured, good and ripe tannins, well balanced, plums, long elegant finish. 90

1999 Chateau Gruaud- Larose

NOV 09 Ruby, hints of garnet rim. Great nose, starting to mature, cassis, cigars, leather and hints of stable. Staring secondary aromas, very complex. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense fruit, very elegant and complex, long great finish. 92

1999 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 07 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, cedar, nuanced and detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, some spices, layered, detailed, firm, long. 94

1999 Château Gruaud Larose

OCT 05 Ruby. Superb nose, cassis, blueberries, tobacco and vanilla, ripe plums nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, structured, blackcurrants and vanilla, long finish. 92

1999 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

MAY 11 Ruby, some prunes and leather, developing, cassis, maturing nicely, going in the direction of the 96 it seems, but with a somewhat lighter body. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, good length. 88

1998 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby. Scented, dark fruits, ripe, vanilla, some violets. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, leaner finish, youthful. Good length. Lacks character. 89

1998 Chateau Gruaud Larose

DEC 09 Deep ruby, thin garnet rim, bell peppers, blackcurrants, some floral notes and cigars. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sweet morellos and blackberries, very elegant and balanced. Keep. 88

1998 Chateau Gruaud Larose

OCT 09 Ruby with ruby rim, blackcurrants, leather, coffee and herbs, fresh and youthful, nice acidity, mature and quite intense aromas, ripe tannins, hints of bell peppers and blackcurrant leaves, will age for a number of years still, give it time. Nice finish. 85

1998 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 05 Ruby. Cassis, blueberries, anise, floral notes, classic Bordeaux nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, dark berries, softer attack, den more pronounced finish, long. Dinner with David in Copenhagen, filet of beef and gratin dauphinois with it. 92

1997 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby. Cassis, bell peppers, alcohol, fruity, edgy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, leaner, bit edgy, lacks fruit for the structure, good length. Bitter. Haven’t tasted this before, might be warm storage on this one. 86

1996 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 A second bottle at Gruaud Larose, blueberries, cassis, dark fruits and spices, some vanilla nose, tobacco. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, dark fruity, two very similar bottles, long. 94

1996 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Blueberries, cassis, starting figs, tobacco, detailed, elegant, evolving nicely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, spices, figs and dates, long. At Gruaud Larose. 94

1996 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 18 Ruby. Dark fruits, cassis, spices, tobacco and a faint mint touch, minerals. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, dark fruits, some minerals, somewhat leaner and more structured and quite classic style, long. 94

1996 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby. Scented, anise, figs, cassis, intense nose, detailed, some tobacco notes starting, fairly firm still. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, tight, structured, red berries and cassis, figs and anise, detailed, long. 95

1996 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, blueberries, scented, floral, nuanced, detailed, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, detailed, anise, cassis, structured, firm, bit tight still, long. 95

1996 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Deep ruby. Cassis, vanilla, bell peppers, fruity, rubber, some burnt notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured, ripe, alcohol note, edgy, lacks balance, have dried notes and edgy notes. Not a perfect bottle. 89

1996 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 11 Ruby, garnet rim, prunes, leather, anise, blackcurrant's, maturing beautifully. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, just starts to show its potential, long finish. I would keep this a few more years before pure enjoyment. 94

1996 Sarget de Gruaud Larose

FEB 11 Ruby with tiny garnet rim. Leather, bell peppers, blackcurrants, slightly perfumed, touch of vanilla and sweet tobacco. Fresh acidity, elegant texture, ripe tannins, maturing nicely, this last one was one of the top bottles, there has been some bottle variations, some very mature and pruney, others, like this one, could easily lay down for another five to ten years, although, maybe not improving much. A nice, quite classic Claret. Had a case of this, not going to bother you with twelve tasting notes.  88

1995 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 18 Ruby, brick rim. Anise, liquorice, bit dusty and anonymous. Leaner body and palate, not a bad wine, but not what it should be. 88

1995 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 18 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Cassis, figs, plums, anise, maturing, nuanced, minerals nose, quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, figs, dates, cassis, blueberries, layered, nuanced, more mature than last bottle, long. 93

1995 Château Gruaud Larose

JAN 16 Ruby. Cedar, cassis, fruity nose with red berries, tight nose. Needs time to open. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh feel, leaner, structured, but opens up with cassis, some figs and tobacco notes, long, quite fresh and nuanced.  92

1995 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 15 Ruby. Cassis, some figs, leather, nuanced, light floral note nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, red berries, more fruit and body, textured, nuanced, long and quite detailed. 94

1995 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby. Dark fruits, exotic, cassis, leather, scented, ripe, fruity nose. Layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, ripe, rounded, fresh, intense, long. 92

1995 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 13 (Magnum)At the estate. Ruby with garnet rim. Scented and almost more youthful than the 2000 on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, velvety and refreshing palate, superb texture, mouthwatering and long. 95

1994 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 14 Ruby, thin brick rim. Cedar, anise, blackcurrants and vanilla nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins letting go, leaner, fairly fruity palate, good length. 89

1993 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 (magnum) At the estate. Scented, leather, musk, tobacco, cassis and figs nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, detailed if a bit lean and short, enjoyable. 89

1992 Château Gruaud Larose

OCT 12 (Magnum) Ruby with brick rim, pencil, cassis and leather, green paprika, anise. Good acidity, ripe tannins, good body, drinking very well now, good length. Some 92's are not too bad. 88

1990 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 18 Ruby. Scented, red berries, spices, some tobacco, figs, layered and detailed, quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, red berries, anise, spices, detailed, layered, tobacco, superb balance, long. Drink over the next twenty years or so. 95

1990 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Ripe and unripe notes, herbs, plums, cassis, rich nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, chocolate, some bitter notes, bell peppers and sweet fruits, tannic finish. Edgy. Seems under ripe and overripe at the same time. 91

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 19 Ruby. Blueberries, cassis, figs, detailed, scented, nuanced, lovely nose, highly scented. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, spices, detailed, elegant, lovely balance, a beauty. This is really coming my way these days. Well, could be worse! 97

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 19 Ruby, thin brick rim. Leather, anise, figs, dates, tobacco, cassis and blueberries nose, developing very nicely with lovely intensity on the nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, blueberries, cassis, figs and dates, a touch younger palate than nose, some tobacco, structured, detailed, intense and long. 97

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Another bottle at Gruaud Larose, even slightly more refined, scented and nuanced than last bottle, stunning stuff this one! 97

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby. Cassis, dark fruits, figs, dates, some spices, liquorice, scented nose, touch of mint. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, figs, dates, tobacco, light mineral note beneath, long and detailed. Just so refreshing! Served at Gruaud Larose. 96

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby. Scented, detailed, intense, layered, minerals and floral nose, nuanced. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, spices, blueberries, cassis, layered, elegant texture, lovely as always. Served at Academie du Vin de Bordeaux dinner. 96

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 19 Ruby, very thin garnet rim. Anise, figs, dates, nuanced, scented, leather, touch of mint, faint cigars nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, figs, dates, spices, elegant texture, silky yet some tannins restraining it from being just too lush and flamboyant, yet somewhat discrete. Long. 96

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

FEB 19 Ruby. Blueberries, cassis, figs, dates, anise, nuanced, elegant nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, figs, tobacco, layered, detailed and long. Superb! 97

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 18 Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, figs, blueberries, detailed and scented nose, minerals, faint mint note. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, figs, dates, liquorice, structured and firmer, this should have had more air to open, long. 95-96

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

JUL 18 Ruby, garnet rim. Blueberries, cassis, some herbs, light tobacco, nuanced and detailed nose. Lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, anise, figs, dates, leather, detailed, lovely balance, a classic. Long. 95

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 18 Ruby, garnet rim. Cedar, cassis, figs, dates, fruity, nuanced, blueberries, nuanced, leather, slight scented note, touch of mint, more tobacco notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, cherries, figs, structured, firmer behind still, anise, leather, layered, very long. Beautiful bottle. 96

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 17 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Dark fruits, anise, spices, figs, floral, minerals and detailed nose, highly seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, detailed, elegant, nuanced, some exotic spices, tobacco and cedar, beautiful! 96

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 17 Four hours in decanter. Ruby, thin brick rim. Some cassis, red berries, light cedar note, refined, floral, touch, detailed, faint exotic note, nuanced, layered, some violets, bright, pure, nuanced, transparent, yet rich and exotic. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, detailed, nuanced, blackberries, some figs, nuanced, refined, elegant, waves upon waves, still some structure, cassis, ads and ads, playful, superb length and balance, not there yet, but going there. Served blind, the names people guessed at around the table was Latour, Margaux, Mouton, Las Cases. So in great company. 97

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 17 . Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, scented, faint floral note, cassis, starting tobacco, fresh feel to it, elegant. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, figs, cassis and blueberries, still evolving, detailed and refreshing, long. 95

1989 Château Gruaud larose

DEC 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, red berries, cassis, leather, cigars, figs, detailed, quite intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, leaner, red berries, anise, leather, cigars and tobacco, intense finish. A mature bottle. 92

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

JAN 16 Bottom neck fill. Ruby. Scented, red berries, cassis, light figs note, some cedar, elegant and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, some plums, red berries, cassis, figs, leather and dates, long. 94

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

JUL 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, leather, some hung meat, scented, detailed, light floral note, some mint. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, rounded, cassis and blueberries, I say rounded but its also quite structured, but it manages to pack it inn. Long. 95

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby, thin garnet rim. Rich, dark fruits, coffee notes, pepper, scented, exotic, intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, rich, fruity, red and darker berries, intense, detailed, rounded, long. 94

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 14 Ruby. Cassis, anise, scented, rich nose, tobacco, maturing nose. Fresh acidity, high of ripe tannins, cassis, structured, slightly hollow mid palate, long. Not quite up to last bottle. 91

1989 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 14 Ruby with garnet rim. Scented, cassis, leather, cool note for the vintage, anise and red berries. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, leather, slightly rustic for the vintage, I'm more charmed by it than some fellow tasters, detailed and long. 94

1989 Chateau Gruaud Larose

JAN 10 Ruby with garnet rim. Tobacco, perfumed, slight volatility, liquorice, quite mature aromas. A bit lean body, fresh acidity, maturing but a bit astringent tannins, prunes and some warm fruits, a bit short. 88

1988 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 19 Ruby. Blueberries, anise, some spices, cassis, scented, somewhat tight, cedar and tobacco notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, blueberries, spices, liquorice, elegant texture, blueberries, long. 94

1988 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 15 Served blind. Ruby, thin garnet rim, sediments. Cassis, leather, tobacco, scented, intense, dark, deeper, cedar, layered, almost massive nose, heavy, leaps out of the glass. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, intense, ripe, fresh, fruity, intense, dark fruits, ripe, layered, nuanced, playful and very long. I was on 86 Gruaud Larose or Talbot. 94

1988 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 At the estate. Ruby. Scented, red berries, detailed nose, nuanced, leather, tobacco, cedar nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh, fruity, detailed, long. 93

1988 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, red berries, cassis, some violets, elegant nose. fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, fresh, fruity, structured still, maybe a bit thin finish. 89

1988 Château Gruaud Larose

JAN 15 Ruby. Dark and redder fruits, leather and tobacco nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, fairly mouthwatering in a leaner style. 93

1988 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 13 (Double magnum)At the estate. Ruby with garnet rim. Prunes, cassis, intense and layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, refreshing, elegant and lively, a lovely '88, long. 93

1988 Château Gruaud Larose

NOV 10 Ruby with garnet rim, A level fill. Fantastic nose, pencil, leather, blackcurrants, complex and superb nose, fantastic texture, anise, gorgeous. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, very pure, starting to peak it seems, will last long still, very long and elegant finish. 94

1986 Chateau Gruaud Larose

JAN 19 Ruby, garnet rim. Spices, light exotic note, detailed, figs and dates, cassis and blueberries, mint, layered nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, detailed, playful, some spices, anise, mint, layered, long. 97

1986 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, figs, dates, floral, nuanced, leaps out of the glass, touch of tobacco, minerals, layers of beautiful fruit. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, figs, dates, cassis, detailed and refreshing, playful, long finish. 96

1986 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, tobacco, leather, figs, detailed, blueberries, fresh, elegant and nuanced nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, detailed, elegant and playful, bright expression, lovely balance, long. 96

1986 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, tobacco, cassis, blueberries, quite tight, needs air to open, seductive and classic nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, bright fruit, detailed, flirting and seductive in a structured manner, long. 95

1986 Château Gruaud Larose

FEB 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, blueberries, figs, some violets, tobacco, scented nose, bright. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, structured, fruity, dark berries, bright fruit, some tobacco and cedar, long and firm finish, long. 95

1986 Château Gruaud Larose

OCT 15 Recorked at chateau in 2004. In neck fill, ruby with thin brick rim. Intense nose, elegant, up front, scented, violets, cassis, blueberries, some figs, cedar, gorgeous nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, detailed, elegant, some would say slightly rustic texture still; I think its classic, long. 95

1986 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Bottom neck fill. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Tight, dark fruits, scented, leather, floral, needs air to open. This was decanted for about one hour. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, red berries, cassis, fruity, ripe, tight and tannic, long. 95

1986 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 12 Ruby. Fruity, intense, scented, some leather and violets, tobacco, flirting and seductive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, structured, youthful, quite detailed, long. 95

1985 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, leather, figs, some cassis, cedar and fine tobacco, lovely nose, detailed and layered, bright expression. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, cassis, blueberries, detailed and rounded, lovely freshness, detailed, long. 94

1985 Château Gruaud Larose

JAN 16 Very top shoulder fill. Bit lean and metallic nose, some red berries and cherries, light floral notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, fairly fresh, red berries and some nuances, long. 90

1985 Château Gruaud Larose

JAN 16 Top shoulder fill, signs of corroded foil. Ruby, garnet rim. Slight iodine note, some cassis, leather, bit lean nose. Fresh acidity, leaner palate, bit thin, lacks fruit. 86

1985 Château Gruaud Larose

JAN 16 In neck fill. Ruby. Elegant nose, fresh cassis, some prunes, leather, light scented note, some violets, charming nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant and nuanced palate, quite refreshing, detailed, somewhat layered, lovely and drinking beautifully now. 94

1985 Château Gruaud Larose

AUG 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Cassis, leather, intense, dark fruits, blueberries, fruity, almost minerals beneath. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, lively, fresh, intense, detailed, quite lively, maturing nicely, long. 94

1985 Château Gruaud Larose

OCT 10 Ruby with thin brick rim. Massive nose, leaps out of the glass, intense, pure, elegant, tobacco, cigars, gorgeous Bordeaux. Perfect texture, some floral notes, balanced, good acidity, leather, plums, very nice fruit, cassis and long length. Way better than expected, even if it is quite praised. 95

1985 Chateau Gruaud Larose

MAY 10 AB/B level fill, cork soaked, dark ruby with garnet rim. Brass instrument, earthy, slightly rustic, leather, touches of iodine. Thin, a bit flat, some prunes, ok but drying out.  (Faulty bottle)

1983 Château Gruaud Larose

JUL 16 Ruby, thin brick. Intense nose, scented, leather, tobacco, cherries, blueberries, figs, dates, lovely, evolved nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fruity, fresh, elegant, red berries, dates and figs, leaner finish, long. 93

1983 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 (magnum) At the estate. Scented, fruity, intense, tobacco, minerals, leather, detailed nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, structured, little bit lean, fresh. Long finish. 94

1983 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Figs, tobacco and leather nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh if leaner palate and structure, quite evolved, long. 90

1983 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Corked

1983 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 Corked

1983 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby, very thin garnet rim. Scented, elegant nose, seductive, violets, red berries, cassis, leather, lightly exotic, lovely nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, elegant, fresh, lively, elegant, refreshing, detailed, long. 95

1983 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 14 (magnum) Ruby, garnet rim. Tobacco, cigars, leather, figs and plums nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh and lively, fruity if leaner, long. 91

1983 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 13 Top shoulder fill. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Mature nose, tobacco, prunes, fine leather. Roses and violets. Fresh acidity, lovely palate, elegant texture, ripe tannins, good length. This bottle is the best bottle I've had of GL 83, very fine indeed. 93

1982 Château Gruaud Larose

OCT 16 Ruby, thin brick rim. Detailed, intense, dark fruity, figs, dates, spices, scented and detailed, stunning nose, floral and layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, figs, dates, tobacco, some cassis, still some structure, long and nuanced. 95

1982 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Figs, prunes, leather, scented, violets, minerals beneath, rich and intense nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, livelier, tighter yet richer notes, feels a bit hollow, long but lacks a dimension of the best bottles of this. 94

1982 Château Gruaud Larose
MAY 12 Extreme crystals in the neck even, lots of sediments. Flirting nose, detailed, elegant, nuanced, refined, playful, floral, scented, red and darker fruits, minerals, leather,  seductive as few, superb nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, detailed, nuanced, elegant, layered, refreshing, red and dark fruits, forest floor, anise, anise, very long. 96

1982 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 12 Top shoulder fill. Slightly cloudy ruby, garnet rim. Tighter nose, needs time to open, licorice, cassis, prunes, leather. Fresh acidity love the texture and structure, intense, all Bordeaux, fantastic length. Ripe, structured, pure, intense yet subtle somehow. 95

1982 Château Gruaud Larose

OCT 10 This slightly corked bottle was still a good wine, but lacked most compared to the one I had in August. Unfortunate!

1982 Château Gruaud Larose;

AUG 10 A level fill, less than 3mm below cork, bright ruby, thin brick rim. Seductive, blackcurrants, touch of floral notes, darker fruits, some vanilla, the very best tobacco and leather, anise, complex and extremely elegant, pure St Julien at its best, fresh acidity, ripe tannins, perfect balance, pure, very long indeed, beautiful balance and texture. My father turned 60, from his cellar.  95

1978 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Lightly corked.

1978 Château Gruaud Larose

JUL 10 Ruby, thin orange rim, B level fill, some sediments. Fresh blackcurrants, cool fruit, some green paprika, very fresh and youthful, some earth and hung game with air, but even so, it feels even fresher somehow, tobacco. Refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, great balance, cigars, good fruit, tannins still grips, long finish. 88

1975 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 At Gruaud Larose. Ruby, brick rim. Blueberries, figs, dates, tobacco, scented, floral, layered, cigars, detailed nose, a beautiful bottle. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, figs, dates, spices, blueberries, elegant texture, long. 94

1975 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, figs, dates, detailed, liquorice, cherries, elegant and fully mature nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, anise, figs, dates, nuanced, leather, superb texture and balance, long. My best bottle so far of this vintage. At Gruaud Larose party. 95

1975 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Ruby core, broad brick rim. Figs, dates, earthy nose, leaner bottle, this is quite evolved and thin. Very evolved bottle. At Gruaud Larose. 88

1975 Château Gruaud Larose

NOV 18 Ruby, garnet rim. Figs, dates, anise, tobacco and cherries nose. Not that expressive. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, figs, dates, spices, sweet and sour, dried fruits and cherry stones, long if narrower. 90

1975 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 17 Ruby, brick rim. Leaner nose, cherry stones and earthy. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, sour and earthy palate, getting too old. Upper shoulder fill. 87

1975 Château Gruaud Larose

JUN 16 Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, blueberries, spices, scented, detailed, figs, dates and tobacco nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins still there, fresh, detailed, structured, dates, figs and tobacco, elegant texture, long if quite mature now. 92

1975 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, red berries, rose hips, leather, elegant if leaner nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, almost thin palate, red berries, fruit stone, a thin 1975, not optimal bottle. 88

1975 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 13 (Magnum) At the estate. Ruby with brick rim. Leather, prunes, figs, scented and mature nose. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, elegant if leaner style, refreshing, long finish. 92

1975 Chateau Gruaud Larose

DEC 09 Garnet with brick rim, took a long time to open, very mature, some prunes, raisins, cassis, liquorice, leather. Fresh acidity, some tannins, very elegant, could be longer. 88

1970 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 17 Ruby, brick rim. Minerals, figs, tobacco, exotic notes, terracotta, light smoky notes, nuanced and detailed nose, scented, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner palate, figs, dates, some minerals, some cherries notes, lacks a bit of concentration but lots of pleasure, long and narrower finish. 93

1970 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, figs, dates, leather, cigars, detailed nose, leaner but expressive, quite intense. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, the few of them that are left, elegant texture, figs, cherries, nuanced, refreshing, quite vigorous, long. 94

1970 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 Ruby, garnet rim. Figs, dates, blueberries, earthy and iron notes nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, red berries and anise, spicy notes, refreshing and elegant if a bit more mature bottle. 92

1970 Château Gruaud Larose

DEC 16 Bright ruby, garnet rim. Dates, leather, figs, heavier nose, plums, little scented notes. Very fruity even if dried fruits. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity on the figs and dates side, leather and anise, plums, elegant texture, long. A different bottle. 94

1970 Château Gruaud Larose

JUL 15 Ruby, brick rim, lots of sediments. Figs, dates, tobacco, some minerals, scented nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, figs, dates, tobacco, leather, slight iron touch, almost towards minerals rather than blood, long. Really lovely bottle. 94

1970 Château Gruaud Larose

FEB 15 Ruby, brick rim, sediments. Leather, figs, dates, prunes and tobacco nose, more scented notes with air but never really floral. Fresh acidity, tannins starting to loosen up, figs, dates, cedar, bit leaner finish, classic. Long. 92

1970 Château Gruaud Larose

NOV 14 Tired nose, figs and dates, similar palate, lean and lacks fruit, no a top bottle. 86

1970 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 13 Ruby, brick rim. Figs, tobacco, cigars, some minerals and rose hips nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, some black tea, figs, dates and prunes, long somewhat narrower finish. 90

1969 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Bottom neck fill. Earthy nose. Lean and dry palate. Gone.

1966 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Bottom neck fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, red berries, violets, lighter, maybe tender nose but fresher and more detailed, towards flirting. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner, fresh, elegant, slightly firmer, red berries finish. 93

1966 Chateau Gruaud-Larose

APR 10 A level fill, deep ruby with garnet rim, some sediments. First pure earth, really needed air to open and shed these aromas. Then suddenly a leafy, even quite dry, kind of green tea moment before leather showing, then prunes and spices, even fresh plums, mineral and slightly vegetal. Beautiful body, fresh acidity, some tannins still, gripping with their bare hands, holding on for their lives, slightly metallic minerality in the aftertaste, great balance, blueberries, blackberries, and a very long length. 88

1964 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Double magnum. Ruby, garnet rim. Anise, figs, dates, minerals nose, scented. Fresh acidity, soft tannins, figs, dates, elegant, earthy, some tobacco, nuanced, detailed and long. Utterly charming fully mature Gruaud Larose. 94

1964 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 19 Double magnum. At Gruaud Larose, first bottle very dried out and flat, gone in my book.

1964 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Bottled by Kraarup, Copenhagen. In neck fill. Ruby, thin garnet rim. Scented, tobacco, dried fruits, leather and spices, exotic notes. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, leaner fruit but fresh, red and darker berries, bit thin finish, drying in the end. 88

1962 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Bottom neck fill. Ruby, garnet rim. Lighter nose, scented, figs, earthy and cellar. Fresh acidity, few but chewy tannins, leaner, metallic, drying. 85

1962 Château Gruaud- Larose

DEC 12 Excellent fill one cm below cork. Ruby with broad garnet rim with a hint of orange. Figs, anise, leather and floral notes. Scented, nuanced and layered, never intense. Transparent and light on its feet. Fresh acidity, tannins more or less gone, refreshing, adding fruit and body with air. A Bordeaux for Burgundy lovers. Very long. Wasn’t optimistic after last bottle, but this had way better fill. 94

1962 Château Gruaud Larose;

DEC 11 Mid shoulder fill, ruby with thin orange rim, cloudy, nose of coffee, tomatoes, prunes and figs. Good acidity, on the verge of drying out, not the best bottle. 83

1962 Château Gruaud Larose

MAY 08 Mid shoulder fill. Some dried fruits, lean palate, probably not very representative. 

1959 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 2 litre bottle! Ruby, garnet rim. Scented, tobacco, leather, figs, nuanced, elegant, tobacco, detailed, layered, minerals, superb nose. Opens up beautifully in the glass. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins that are softening, fresh, fruity, detailed, figs and dates, detailed, gorgeous balance, layered, refreshing, lovely body, incredible length. Magic. The bottle variation old wine is always fascinating. 100

1959 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 17 2 litre bottle. Ruby, garnet rim. Figs, dates, scented, cherries and leather nose. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, fruity, detailed, figs and prunes, detailed, elegant and smooth texture, long. 94

1955 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 15 (magnum) At the estate. Bright ruby, thin brick rim. Truffles, forest floor, scented, leather, tobacco, figs, cedar and teak nose. Fresh acidity, few tannins left, fresh, detailed if leaner, nuanced, layered if not the most complex, refreshing red berries finish, long. 92

1953 Château Gruaud Larose

APR 13 (Magnum) At the estate. Bright ruby, garnet rim. Prunes, figs, liquorice, roses and a touch of VA that blew away quickly. Fresh acidity, ripe and few tannins, elegant and lively, refreshing, elegant and long. Lovely wine. 92

1945 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Top shoulder fill. Ruby with thin orange rim. Redcurrants, figs, tobacco, leather, scented, minerals, detailed nose, lovely. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh, lively, fruity, detailed, sweet and sour, exotic, figs, bit thinner finish, long. 96

1934 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Top shoulder fill, negociant bottled. Almost black with orange rim. Oxidised, some figs, maderized.

1928 Château Gruaud Larose

MAR 15 Bottom neck fill, reconditioned by Cordier but not stated when, likely in the 70s. Ruby, thin orange rim. Figs, exotic spices, leather, prunes, cassis, tobacco, detailed and elegant nose, layered. Fresh acidity, ripe tannins, fresh feel, mature, figs and prunes, some tobacco again, sweet, elegant, minerals beneath, layered, thin finish but a wealth of flavours. Long. 96

1916 Château Gruaud Larose

NOV 06 Deep ruby core, broad brick rim. Mid shoulder fill. Dusty, earthy, dried figs, dates, faint whiff of lavender and violets every now and then. Fresh, almost narrow acidity, tannins all gone, silky, lean, some red currants, leaner, died of after fifteen minutes in the glass. 91