2015 Chateau Gruaud-Larose
By Chateau Gruaud-Larose
2015 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, Bordeaux
Ascending the echelons of fine Bordeaux treasures, the 2015 vintage from Chateau Gruaud-Larose undeniably embodies the quintessence of St-Julien's grace. An alchemy of fruitful climatic nuances and deliberate viticulture finesse, 2015 yields a narrative of winemaking precision married to meteorological generosity. Having observed countless vintages from this illustrious estate, I remain captivated by the distinct narrative each year narrates, with the 2015 vintage singing a harmonious tune of opulence and structure.
An Exquisite Bordeaux Vintage Emerges
What differentiates the 2015 vintage from Chateau Gruaud-Larose is its impeccable balance; a testament to the season's benevolent climate. This was a year where every botanical stars aligned. The blend's majority Cabernet Sauvignon offers backbone and longevity, all the while Merlot confers plushness to the palate.
One finds in the glass a mélange of black currants and ripe cherries, sewn together with whispers of cigar box and violets - signatures of a noble terroir. On the palate, this wine introduces itself with assured tannins that promise to unfurl elegantly over time, suggesting an enviable potential for cellaring and subsequent investment returns.
A Rendezvous with Excellence
The enchantment of the 2015 Chateau Gruaud-Larose lies not only in its immediate appeal but also in its promise of evolution. The interplay of fruit concentration and refined tannic structure earmarks this as one of the most investable propositions within its appellation - an exemplar for collectors seeking both drinking pleasure and value augmentation over time.
To those connoisseurs who look beyond the veil of youth in wines, understanding that complexity burgeons with patience, this 2015 offering is an unequivocal advocate for aged brilliance. It is surely destined to assume a proud position amongst the greatest vintages from Chateau Gruaud-Larose.
A Taste Profile Steeped in Potential
In summing up my experience with the 2015 Chateau Gruaud-Larose, I would remiss not to note its already spectacular performance at numerous tastings. And yet, I foresee how its tapestry of flavours will further deepen, bespeaking enamoured tales to those willing to wait. It is a vintage poised for a magnificent trajectory, gracing portfolios with not only aesthetic splendour but also potential financial reward.
Market price (GBP)
£760.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
50.67
Scores and tasting notes
Gone are the bad old days of farmyardy aromas and flavours, to be replaced by something that is classic, yet modern at the same time. Polished and well defined, this carries its 100% new oak with ease, such is the structure and depth of the wine. Drink: 2022-32
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
A velvety and flavorful red with dusty tannins and lots of ripe fruit. It remains fresh and balanced. Harmonious. Excited to see it develop in barrel.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Gruaud Larose simply sparkles with bright, vibrant red cherries, ripe raspberries and fresh black currants notes with underlying suggestions of cinnamon stick, rose petals, fallen leaves and dried Provence herbs. Medium to full-bodied and possessing tightly wound red and black fruits layers intermingled with spicy accents, it has a firm, grainy frame and great vivacity, finishing long and perfumed. I'm probably being too conservative with my score here and expect this could blossom in 4-6 years into an even more impressive beauty!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018
The 2015 Gruaud Larose is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, picked from 21 September. It has a rather conservative bouquet, reticent at first, gradually unfolding with truffle-tinged black fruit, the oak nicely integrated but perhaps needing a little more energy. The palate is ripe and rounded on the entry, fleshier than many of its Saint Julien counterparts, quite sumptuous in terms of mouthfeel with a suave texture. There is a sense of linearity here, a strictness that particularly comes through on the finish. The purity is commendable and the tannin, fine, but what it needs is that final flourish. It just misses that killer blow on the finish and saunters to its conclusion. I hope that it gains more in barrel.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
Nicely focused, with a beam of red and black currant fruit inlaid with subtle spice notes and carried by velvety tannins. A little shy on range, but this is solidly built.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
Mid crimson. Mild, well-balanced nose. Ripe but not overripe. Neat and confident. A good expression of a charming accessible vintage. Neat and comfortable.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com