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

Description

IN BRIEF
Château Gruaud-Larose 1990 is an exceptional vintage from the prestigious 2ème Grand Cru Classé estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux. Known for its commitment to quality, this wine features a blend predominantly of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, benefiting from a warm growing season that allowed for optimal ripeness. In the glass, it displays a deep garnet colour, presenting enticing aromas of ripe blackcurrants, cherries, and plums, complemented by hints of cedar and tobacco. Rated 94 points by both Decanter and VinoUS, this full-bodied wine features smooth tannins and a harmonious balance of dark fruit flavours, mocha, and chocolate. It's perfect for pairing with rich dishes, making it a true testament to the artistry of Bordeaux winemaking.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Château Gruaud-Larose 1990 is an outstanding vintage from this esteemed 2ème Grand Cru Classé estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux. Renowned for its rich heritage and commitment to quality, Gruaud-Larose has a longstanding reputation for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

The 1990 vintage is particularly celebrated, as it benefited from a warm growing season that allowed the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness. The blend typically consists of a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, supported by Merlot and smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This combination generates a wine that is both structured and expressive.

In the glass, the 1990 Gruaud-Larose reveals a deep garnet colour, signifying both its maturity and richness. On the nose, it offers an inviting bouquet filled with ripe blackcurrants, cherries, and plums, intertwined with lovely notes of cedar, lead pencil, and a hint of tobacco. As the wine opens up, secondary aromas of leather, earth, and subtle spices often emerge, adding complexity to the profile.

On the palate, the 1990 vintage is full-bodied and well-rounded, showcasing a beautifully integrated structure. The tannins are typically smooth and velvety, reflecting the wine's age and development. Flavours of dark fruits harmonise with hints of mocha and chocolate, contributing to a luxurious mouthfeel. The wine's acidity provides balance, ensuring a lively and refreshing finish.

This vintage has matured gracefully over the years, making it enjoyable now while still holding potential for further development in the cellar. It pairs exquisitely with rich dishes such as roasted lamb, beef bourguignon, or even game, enhancing the overall dining experience.

In summary, the Château Gruaud-Larose 1990 is a remarkable expression of Bordeaux winemaking, showcasing elegance, complexity, and depth. Its rich flavours and refined structure make it a prized choice for collectors and wine enthusiasts, embodying the quality that characterises this historic estate.

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.

VINOUS 94 points
The 1990 Gruaud Larose has been hit 'n' miss over various bottles, not unlike the '90 Montrose. This was a hit. It has a very youthful bouquet with dark berry fruit, tar and mint, certainly far less Brettanomyces than other examples. The palate is fresh and well structured, with hints of black truffle intertwined with the red fruit, a tad spicier than the Lagrange with a dab of liquorice for good measure on the satisfying finish. Excellent. Tasted single blind at the 1990 Bordeaux dinner at Medlar. - Neal Martin

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.

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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.