CHATEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 1990 Bottle

Description

The 1990 vintage of Château Gruaud-Larose is highly regarded, earning 94 points from Decanter and 90 points from Wine Advocate. Decanter praises its remarkable evolution over 31 years, showcasing silky tannins and a complex profile of autumnal fruits, cedar-smoked oak, marzipan, dried leather, and gentle truffled spice. A refreshing crushed mint leaf on the finish adds to its allure, making it incredibly moreish. Meanwhile, Wine Advocate highlights the wine's character, featuring soft black fruit complemented by subtle notes of brettanomyces, melted tar, and leather, presenting a gaminess that embodies the warmth of summer. Although not as polished as some of its peers, this Saint-Julien remains a delightful, approachable wine for enjoyment through 2030, reflecting traditional craftsmanship and depth.

*****

Château Gruaud-Larose, a renowned 2ème Grand Cru Classé in the Bordeaux region, specifically in Saint-Julien, represents excellence in winemaking. Founded in the 18th century, this estate has a rich history and is celebrated for its powerful and complex red wines. The vineyard spans about 82 hectares, predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes. Gruaud-Larose wines are characterized by their deep color, rich fruit flavors, and mature tannins, making them age-worthy and suitable for long-term cellaring. The estate's traditional methods, combined with modern techniques, ensure quality and consistency. With a legacy of excellence, Château Gruaud-Larose remains a prominent figure in Bordeaux's fine wine scene, appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

DECANTER 94 points
Tasted by: Jane Anson
(at Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2035
An estate known for its long ageing, and here it has softened at 31 years old, but still offering silky tannins and autumnal fruits with cedar smoked oak, marzipan, dried leather and gentle truffled spice. A thoroughly enjoyable Gruaud Larose showcasing old-school St-Julien balance. Clear crushed mint leaf on the finish, utterly moreish. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend; 33% new oak.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 90 points
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Drink Date: 2015 - 2030
Tasted in that well-known Bordeaux appellation called "Burgundy," the 1990 Château Gruaud Larose is a Saint Julien that has always flirted with funkiness. Here that came through quite strongly on this occasion, partly because it was juxtaposed against the purity of the 1990 Domaine de Chevalier Rouge. That does not detract from a thoroughly enjoyable wine. The nose shows just a touch of brettanomyces here, soft black fruit with melted tar, graphite, leather and game. The palate has a gaminess from start to finish, carrying the warmth of that summer into the glass, melted tannins with just a touch of dryness towards the finish. It is a pleasurable, if not intellectual Saint Julien to drink over the next 15 years. Tasted June 2015.