1999 Chateau Gruaud-Larose
By Chateau Gruaud-Larose
The 1999 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
As the millennium drew to a close, the auspicious terroir of Bordeaux bestowed upon us the exquisite 1999 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose. A testament to the alchemy of nature and nurture, this vintage captures the essence of St-Julien with dignified grace and complexity.
A Chronicle of Climatic Mastery
The vintage of 1999 was marked by a vagary of climatic challenges across Bordeaux, with a particularly mild winter followed by a reasonable spring. Summer in St-Julien was characterised by hot days tempered with replenishing bursts of rain. This symphony of conditions allowed the grapes' maturation to unfold in measured stages, translating into a harmony of ripeness and acidity within the cuvée.
Structure and Investment Elegance
The 1999 Chateau Gruaud-Larose is a substantial claret with an admirable depth of flavour. On the palate, one finds a stratum of black currant cascading over subtle undertones of cedar and spice, enveloped in well-integrated tannins that have softened sublimely over time. The finish is sustained, with an enchanting hint of tobacco—a nod to its esteemed provenance.
This vintage's composure and balance mark it as one redolent of investment potential, offering an engaging portfolio addition for both oenophiles and collectors alike—the textbook exemplar for maturing with dignity.
Legacy in Each Bottle
One cannot help but appreciate the efforts of Chateau Gruaud-Larose in capturing the singularities that make the 1999 vintage such a charming investment choice. It stands as a liquid chronicle, capturing an era within its core—a noble addition to any connoisseur's cellar or investment collection.
In summation, to invest in the 1999 Chateau Gruaud-Larose is to endorse a year that has gracefully transitioned into maturity. Its poised expression and deep-seated quality artfully capture the ethos of St-Julien—one sip offering a voyage through time on the illustrious terrains of Bordeaux.
Market price (GBP)
£920.00
12x75cl
Highest score
89
POP score
102.22
Scores and tasting notes
An exotic perfume of tapenade, new saddle leather, damp earth, black currants, cherries, and smoke jumps from the glass of this impressive, powerful 1999. The wine is medium-bodied with moderate tannin. This dark plum/ruby-colored St.-Julien requires another 2-3 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2015.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2002