CHATEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2024 Wooden Case x 6 Bottles - PRE-RELEASE

Description

IN BRIEF
As of now, details about the 2024 vintage of Château Gruaud-Larose are limited, as it remains in the early stages of development. This esteemed 2ème Grand Cru Classé estate, located in the Saint-Julien appellation, is renowned for producing exceptional wines, and expectations for the 2024 vintage are high among wine enthusiasts and collectors. The blend will likely consist of a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, supplemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Rated 92-94 points by The Wine Advocate for its vibrant notes of cassis and violets, and 93 points by Decanter for its fresh blueberries and concentrated flavours, the 2024 vintage is anticipated to exemplify the estate's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, promising balance and elegance in each bottle.

ABOUT THIS WINE
As of now, information regarding the 2024 vintage of Château Gruaud-Larose is not widely available since it remains in the early stages of development in the vineyard and winery. Château Gruaud-Larose, a 2ème Grand Cru Classé in the Saint-Julien appellation, is known for producing exceptional wines, and expectations for the 2024 vintage are high among wine enthusiasts and collectors.

The specific blend for the 2024 Château Gruaud-Larose is yet to be determined, but it typically consists of a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The estate’s commitment to quality viticulture and winemaking practices will likely ensure that the grapes reach optimal ripeness, allowing the wine to develop concentration, elegance, and complexity.

As the growing season unfolds, the conditions experienced in 2024 will significantly influence the characteristics of the wine. Bordeaux's climate can vary widely from year to year, so the effects of the season on ripeness, acidity, and overall quality will become clearer as the vintage progresses.

Once the wine undergoes fermentation and aging, tasting notes and detailed assessments will emerge closer to its release date. However, one can anticipate the 2024 Château Gruaud-Larose to showcase the estate's hallmark qualities: expressive fruit aromas, refined tannins, and a well-balanced structure.

Historically, Gruaud-Larose wines are characterised by their ability to age gracefully, so it is likely that the 2024 vintage will also offer excellent aging potential, allowing it to develop further complexity over time.

In summary, while specific details about the 2024 vintage of Château Gruaud-Larose are still forthcoming, expectations remain high for this celebrated estate. As more information becomes available, wine enthusiasts will be eager to discover the unique expression of this vintage, promising an exciting addition to the legacy of Château Gruaud-Larose.

THE WINE ADVOCATE (92-94) points
Reviewed by: William Kelley
The 2024 Gruaud Larose shows excellent potential, bursting with notes of cassis, pencil shavings, iris and violets. Medium to full-bodied, suave and seamless, it's ample and pure, with a precise, refined pro-life and good persistence on the finish. A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, it is the fruit of a growing season defined by fully 30 organic phytosanitary treatments and a harvest that concluded on October 8. It checks in at 12.4% alcohol and pH 3.77 (for Gruaud, a rather low number).
Published: Apr 23, 2025

DECANTER 93 points
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle
(at Bordeaux, 01 Apr 2025)
Part of Best St-Julien 2024 wines tasted en primeur
Drinking Window: 2029 - 2044
Fresh blueberries and blackcurrants on the nose, smells delicate and nicely aromatic. Concentrated for sure, this has an intense flavour of cherries, strawberries and plums with really massy tannins but that are so cool and fresh. Light on its feet, definitely not pushed too hard, a little quiet and shy maybe, but lovely definition to the tannins. Some juiciness but a little soft from the mid palate onwards in terms of fruit although it keeps an aromatic intensity with cola, liquorice and slate. Well made, this isn't trying too hard and will be great to drink early. 40% grand vin. Ageing 95% new oak barrels for 18 months. 3.77pH.

VINOUS 91-93 points
The 2024 Gruaud Larose, picked between September 27 and October 8, matured in 95% new oak. This has an impressive bouquet for the vintage with pure blackberry, bilberry, cedar and light pressed flower scents. This leans a little toward Margaux in style. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and quite saline, with sappy black fruit laced with notes of black olive tapenade. Not a persistent Gruaud Larose insofar as there is no peacock's tail on the finish, yet it has a statesman-like classicism that you could not find 10 or 15 years ago. - Neal Martin

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ABOUT CHATEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE
Château Gruaud-Larose is a distinguished winery located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in the 18th century, it is classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, representing an enduring legacy of quality and craftsmanship in winemaking. The estate's rich history and commitment to excellence make it one of the most respected names in the region.

The vineyard at Château Gruaud-Larose spans approximately 82 hectares, with a focus on the classic Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The terroir is characterised by well-drained gravelly soils, which, combined with the temperate maritime climate, provide ideal conditions for producing high-quality grapes. The vineyard management practices prioritise sustainability and the health of the land, promoting biodiversity and ensuring the vitality of the vines.

The winemaking philosophy at Château Gruaud-Larose is deeply rooted in tradition, yet embraces modern techniques to enhance quality. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested to select only the best fruit. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, allowing for optimal extraction of flavours and tannins. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels—typically around 18 months—resulting in a refined balance of fruit and oak character.

Château Gruaud-Larose wines are celebrated for their elegance, depth, and complexity. Known for their rich fruit flavours, velvety tannins, and distinctive minerality, they have a remarkable aging potential, making them highly sought after by wine collectors and enthusiasts alike. Notable vintages, such as 2005, 2009, and 2010, exemplify the estate's ability to produce wines of outstanding quality.

Under the stewardship of the estate's current owners, Château Gruaud-Larose continues to honour its heritage while exploring innovative practices, ensuring that it remains a beacon of excellence in the world of fine Bordeaux wines.