CHATEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2000 Bottle

Description

The 2000 vintage of Château Gruaud-Larose has garnered significant acclaim, highlighting its distinct characteristics. James Suckling awarded it 96 points, admiring its discreet nose of dark fruit and minerals with impressive depth, coupled with uncoiled power and polished tannins, leading to a lengthy finish that lingers for nearly a minute. The Wine Advocate rated it 94 points, praising its full-bodied nature, showcasing notes of saddle leather, cedar wood, black currants, cherries, and Provencal herbs, indicating its plateau of maturity and potential for another 20 years of enjoyment. Vinous provided a score of 90 points, noting its perfumed and floral nose with touches of leather and wild mint, while the palate offers supple tannins and complexity.


*****

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.

JAMES SUCKLING 96 points
Quite a discreet nose of dark fruit and minerals, with excellent depth. Uncoiled power and intensity, with a full body and firm but polished tannins that dissolve into a long and close-knit finish. It goes on for almost a minute. Try from 2028.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Drink Date: 2010 - 2030
A very strong effort for Gruaud Larose, possibly eclipsed by what they have done in 2009, this is a pure, full-bodied Gruaud Larose with plenty of new saddle leather, cedar wood, black currants, cherries, licorice, and Provencal herbs. Spicy, earthy, full-bodied, and rich, it has hit its plateau of full maturity, where it should stay for another 20 or more years.

VINOUS 90 points
The 2000 Gruaud Larose has a perfumed and floral nose, touches of leather, wild mint and just a little Brettanomyces in the background, though not as much as the 1990 tasted alongside. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fresher than the 1990, grainy tannins with touches of pencil lead and allspice. A little espresso and leather surface towards the slightly loose-knit finish suggests it will not improve with further bottle age. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023. - Neal Martin