Chateau Gruaud Larose   Chateau Gruaud Larose

2004 Chateau Gruaud-Larose

By Chateau Gruaud-Larose

2004 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, Bordeaux

In an era when Bordeaux aficionados seek both substance and splendour, the 2004 vintage from Chateau Gruaud-Larose rises to the calling with remarkable finesse. As one delves into this serene vintage, one discovers that 2004 was a year that rewarded patience, culminating in wines that are now in their splendid prime.

 

St-Julien in a Bottle: A Testament to Time

The growing season for the 2004 Chateau Gruaud-Larose was marked by a tête-à-tête with meteorological whimsy, throwing vignerons challenges that tested both their skill and resilience. Surviving a slightly erratic flowering period followed by the brooding heat of summer, this vintage was ultimately graced with an Indian summer that allowed for optimal ripening. This tranquil period before harvest honed and rounded the tannins to perfection.

 

The Elegance of Evolution

Embarking on a tasting, the 2004 vintage greets the senses with a tapestry woven of dark cherries and earthy undertones, nuanced by hints of tobacco and cedarwood—and one can almost hear the whisper of St-Julien’s gravel terroir within its depths. With an elegant structure streamlined through years of cellaring, it crowns the palate with balanced acidity and an enduring finish that echoes the sophistication of classic Bordeaux.

The intricacies of this wine are indicative of its adroit crafting and stellar provenance. It has matured into a wine that holds a unique place in the annals of Chateau Gruaud-Larose; it is not merely a testament to the quality this fabled maison perennially delivers but also to the specific climatic narrative of 2004 in St-Julien.

Forward-looking fine wine investors will discover in the 2004 Chateau Gruaud-Larose an exemplary investment-grade bottle. It stands as a paragon, representing an enlightened choice for diversifying portfolios whilst delighting collectors who prize subtlety intertwined with mature complexity.

In summary, those who have had the foresight to acquire selections of 2004 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose can now reap the rewards. They savour not just a vintage but a vibrant chronicle, composed in liquid veneration of St-Julien’s tapestry—a meritorious inclusion in any discerning collection or investment strategy.

Market price (GBP)

£740.00

12x75cl

Highest score

87

POP score

105.71

Scores and tasting notes

87

This estate continues to under perform, particularly in view of what the previous owners accomplished. Nothing made today resembles the great vintages of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, or even the top-flight 2000. Nearly every St.-Julien chateau is making better wine, and Gruaud Larose needs a wake-up call. A stricter selection might be a place to start. The dark ruby/garnet-colored 2004 reveals an herbal nose displaying hints of dirty saddle leather intermixed with roasted herbs, spice, black cherries, currants, and a green pepper-like character. It is a lightweight effort with medium body, superficial depth, crisp acidity, and sharp tannins in the finish. While it will keep for 10-15 years, and may become slightly more complex, it remains a major disappointment.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2007

Vintage performance