CHATEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2005 Bottle

Description

The 2005 vintage of Château Gruaud-Larose has garnered significant acclaim, showcasing an impressive blend of characteristics. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 94 points, celebrating its excellent Cabernet Sauvignon profile with notes of black currant, cedar, and herbs, balanced by fresh acidity and dense tannins. Decanter rated it 93 points, praising its beautifully balanced nose of subtle black fruit, power, and intensity, enhanced by refreshing menthol and eucalyptus notes. VINOUS provided a score of 92 points, noting its vibrant bouquet of blackberry and cedar, along with a powerful palate that borders on overwhelming, suggesting it will age well over the next 20 years. The Wine Advocate recognized it with 90 points, highlighting its deep ruby color, concentration, and approachable drinkability, making it a noteworthy vintage.

*****

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.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 94 points
This tastes of great Cabernet Sauvignon, with its black currant, cedar and herbs and fresh, juicy acidity. It is as fresh as it is rich, but it has a structure of dense tannins that balances the wine. This is one of the best wines from Gruaud-Larose for several years. — Roger Voss

DECANTER 93 points
Tasted by: Alice Brandon
(at BBR London, 26 Sep 2025)
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2040
This is always a wine that has split opinion in 2005. In this example I found a beautifully balanced nose of subtle black fruit showing great power and intensity. A rustic edge. Menthol and eucalyptus help deliver some refreshing notes that bely the power. The palate has silky fine tannins, with an inky and blackberry filled finish. An exceptionally good Gruaud.

VINOUS 92 points
The 2005 Gruaud Larose, which was decanted for 30 minutes upon my request, replicated its performance a couple of years ago. This was the final vintage to include Malbec (1%). It has a very "useful" bouquet of blackberry, juniper berries and cedar that opens with vigour in the glass with satisfying intensity. The palate is slightly less "broad-shouldered" than before, very powerful to the point of being almost overpowering, and the slightly feral finish slightly shifts it away from Bordeaux typicité. Drink now or over the next 20 years. Tasted at the château. - Neal Martin

THE WINE ADVOCATE 90 points
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Drink Date: 2015 - 2030
The 2005 Gruaud Larose has a deep ruby/purple color, excellent concentration, and clean, pure black and red currant fruit, licorice and spice. It is medium to full-bodied, lush, and very soft and round. I’m surprised how drinkable it is already, although it is certainly capable of lasting 15 or more years.
Published: Jun 29, 2015