Chateau Gruaud Larose   Chateau Gruaud Larose

2000 Chateau Gruaud-Larose

By Chateau Gruaud-Larose

2000 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, Bordeaux

The millennium vintage from the historic St-Julien estate, the 2000 Chateau Gruaud-Larose has graced cellars and tables with its magnificence for over two decades. Among the chateaux that dot the Left Bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Gruaud-Larose holds a particular allure for aficionados and investors alike—its wines a true embodiment of the region's robust charm.

 

Millennium Majesty: A Vintage to Cherish

The 2000 vintage in Bordeaux has always been lauded for its power and longevity, but when speaking of the 2000 Chateau Gruaud-Larose specifically, one can't help but revel in its particular finesse. As it gracefully matures, its depths unravel; a tapestry woven from the ripest Cabernet Sauvignon fruits, intertwined with Merlot's plump juiciness and underscored by the firm structure of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

 

Oenophile's Odyssey: Two Decades in the Making

Two decades on, this vintage has unfurled into a bastion of complexity. Aromas that span from blackcurrants to truffles, laced with subtle cigar box nuances, beckon the connoisseur's nose. Upon sipping, one is greeted with nuanced layers that only time can bestow—forest floor and wilted violet entwined with a persistent, stately tannin profile.

The climatic conditions of 2000 delivered sufficient warmth balanced by necessary respite, allowing grapes to reach optimal ripeness at harvest. This equilibrium is echoed in the structure of the wine; a juxtaposition of robust intensity with elegance—an undeniable hallmark of a great St-Julien.

The 2000 Chateau Gruaud-Larose stands as a testament to the winemaking expertise at Chateau Gruaud-Larose—the expression of a terroir captured perfectly in bottle form. It is an exemplar for oenophiles and a cornerstone for any discerning investor's portfolio.

Embraced by enthusiasts as one of the crowning jewels of the 2000 Bordeaux vintage, it cleverly balances hedonistic pleasure and investment wisdom. Those who have cellared this vintage will find that patience yields rich rewards; those who seek to acquire it now can rest assured they are investing not just in liquid but also in legacy.

Market price (GBP)

£1,180.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

84.29

Scores and tasting notes

94

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.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2010

Vintage performance