The richness and elegance of a Saint-Julien Second Cru Classé
Sensory Features:Another excellently consistent wine from Gruaud in 2022 that gives terroir typicality with crystalline purity and such overall charm. Smooth and supple, silky but firm, generous but serious. Gorgeous acidity keeps the palate lifted and fresh while the concentrated fruit and quite present tannins give the structure and frame. I love the detail and purity, powerful and strong but refined. Direct with energy and juicy, vibrant acidity. Mineral, graphite and liquorice aspects grip the palate and linger on the finish with soft spices. Has a very moreish quality with approachability but the racy core and intense backbone suggests long ageing potential.
Grape Varieties: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot & 3% Cabernet Franc.
Estate: A landmark in the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Gruaud Larose was founded in 1757, when several estates were merged. The estate took this name when Joseph Gruaud's heir added his name "Larose", thus becoming known as Château Gruaud Larose. Owned by the Merlaut family since 1997, Château Gruaud Larose embodies the excellence of Saint-Julien's great red wines and has won over enthusiasts of the appellation with its style.
Vineyard: Château Gruaud Larose is a Saint-Julien wine made from 82 hectares of vines. The vines are an average of 48 years old and are planted on Quaternary Garonne gravel deposited over 600,000 years ago. Château Gruaud Larose has been undergoing organic conversion since the 2019 vintage, and its vineyards are managed according to the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture.
Winemaking & Ageing: The grapes are harvested by hand, with four levels of sorting, including optical sorting. Selection by plot and within each plot. Vinification in truncated wooden vats. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (95% new).
