Chateau Gruaud Larose   Chateau Gruaud Larose

2006 Chateau Gruaud-Larose

By Chateau Gruaud-Larose

2006 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, Bordeaux

The 2006 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from the renowned house of Chateau Gruaud-Larose is a wine that unabashedly speaks of its place and time. The 2006 Bordeaux vintage, which can be considered somewhat of an enigma, provides a distinct backdrop that set apart this wine from its brethren in both preceding and succeeding years.

 

An Epoch of Elegance: The 2006 Vintage Character

History will remember the year 2006 for its silver lining at St-Julien. A season marked by a July heatwave, followed by cool nights in August, defined the growing period, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon-led blends to reach maturity with both depth and retained acidity. The merit of the 2006 Chateau Gruaud-Larose lies in its well-orchestrated balance, a virtue that makes it an intriguing prospect for fine wine investors.

The wine itself is a tapestry woven with ripe berries, underbrush, and a hint of pencil shaving – subtleties that reveal themselves judiciously over time. It is on the palate where the 2006 Chateau Gruaud-Larose distinguishes itself: an approachable texture belies its firm tannic structure, suggesting that while it entertains presently, it bears the hallmark of longevity.

 

Cultivating Prosperity for Investors

Of particular note to seasoned collectors and investors is how this vintage harnesses both restraint and richness – a duality that signifies potential for graceful aging. This characteristic makes it one to watch when considering additions to one's investment portfolio.

Contemplating the liquid assets from 2006 at Chateau Gruaud-Larose, I envisage a journey that unfolds with savoury complexity and gratifying evolution in the bottle. In a landscape teeming with Bordeaux offerings, this particular cru stands out with a confidant but understated elegance reflecting its St-Julien terroir with clarity.

The consummate narrative woven by the 2006 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose sanctions appreciation and contemplation. It pledges not only sensorial delight but is poised to become a linchpin holding together the discerning investor's collection with its potential for favourable maturation.

Market price (CAD)

$1,140.00

12x75cl

Highest score

88

POP score

85

Scores and tasting notes

88

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Gruaud Larose can be a divisive wine. At ten years of age, it shows some inertia on the nose: sultry blackberry and briary fruit, nicely defined but lacking what I call "flow." The palate is medium-bodied with dusty tannin, rather rustic red berry fruit laced with sandalwood and tar, fading a little towards the soft, easy-going finish. Not bad...but I have encountered many superior wines from this Saint Julien estate. Tasted January 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 29 May 2016

Vintage performance