A very shiny, dark hue with delicate violet shades introduces Chateau Gruaud-Larose 2009. The nose is very powerful and complex: distinctive traits of this sunny vintage. Fresh and spicy, delicate vanilla wood dominate still subtle red cherry and blackberry notes. Rich and scrumptious, the palate offers robust intensity and considerable length along with fine, delicate and persistent tannins. Gruaud-Larose 2009 perfect balance adds this release to the greatest wines ever produced by the Chateau.
Parker : 95 / 100
J. Robinson : 17.5 / 20
Wine Advocate-Parker :
As I wrote in my barrel tasting note, the 2009 appears to be the finest Gruaud Larose since their 1990. Some of my concerns about too much brett in previous vintages are long gone as the purity of the 2009 jumps out. Copious notes of sagebrush, cedar, cigar box, licorice, incense, blackberries and lead pencil shavings suggest a big Pauillac rather than a St.-Julien. Broad, rich and full-bodied with good balance and abundant, but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this big, masculine Gruaud Larose reveals remarkable finesse, richness, extract, density and a cascade of fruit that nearly hides the lofty tannins. This beauty should be at its best between 2020-2045.
