2018 Chateau Gruaud-Larose
By Chateau Gruaud-Larose
2018 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the resplendent tapestry of Bordeaux's 2018 vintage, one thread catches the connoisseur’s eye with an enviable lustre – the 2018 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose. This St-Julien titan reflects a season that cast a spell on the region, a year where nature conspired to craft wines of power and depth with an ease seldom witnessed in the annals of viniculture.
A Vintage That Will Be Chronicled
The harnessing of 2018's fortuitous climatic oscillations – wet winter and spring paving the way for a gloriously dry and warm summer – has been deftly executed at Chateau Gruaud-Larose. The result is a vintage that signals both classicism and audacity. Drawing from an extensive palette of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, the blend is opulent yet measured, an embodiment of equilibrium.
Dignity in Each Decanter
On the palate, the 2018 Chateau Gruaud-Larose burgeons with black currants underlined by a choir of earthy undertones – think cedar and tobacco – which sings in harmonious complexity. Tannins articulate with eloquence rather than overture; they promenade across the tongue with aristocratic restraint. All this is buoyed by an acid line as sharp as a tailor's shears, slicing through the rich fruit to give a finish as enduring as St-Julien's own heritage.
Memoirs of dark chocolate mingle with whispers of violet and graphite in this redolent libation. The finish unfurls like a bolt of silk, promising longevity, and assurance in its cellaring potential. Investment-wise, this particularity renders the 2018 vintage from Chateau Gruaud-Larose an attractive proposition for those looking to enrapture both their senses and their portfolios.
Legendary among oenophiles for its layered complexity and storied provenance, each swirling glass brims with nuances forged by time-honoured tradition and regional intellect. As it rests and evolves in bottle, it eagerly awaits the moments it will define.
The Concluding Sip
In summation, the 2018 Chateau Gruaud-Larose symbolises not only the harmony within its own storied demesnes but serves as an exemplary standard-bearer for Bordeaux's penchant for splendour. Discerning collectors would do well to secure allocations of this vinous gem – for enjoyment, undoubtedly; for investment, unquestionably.
Current market price
£670.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
41.88
Scores and tasting notes
The 2018 Gruaud Larose is blended of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, with a pH of 3.88 and 14.2% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with bold black cherries, mulberries, plum preserves and blackcurrant cordial scents with hints of menthol, lilacs, licorice and cloves plus wafts of fallen leaves and tilled soil. Medium to full-bodied with a taut core of ripe, densely packed, muscular fruit, it has a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and spicy. Very exotic Gruaud!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
This is really generous and rolls off the tongue with ripe and velvety tannins and a fresh undertone. Full-bodied, firm and silky. Extremely long and flavorful. Very complex already.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
This is good quality, not exactly generous but clearly carefully extracted - they kept the simultaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentations to between 24°C and 26°C. It's packed full of flavour, with real precision to the fruit. Bramble and hedgerow scents suggest a firm acidity and a structure that's built to last, while still being appetising and full of pleasure. As it opens in the glass, liquorice and dark chocolate come to the fore. A wine that will age well without question. 85% new oak.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
Composed of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Gruaud Larose has a medium to deep garnet-purple color. It comes barreling out of the glass with powerful scents of blackberry preserves, baked plums and crème de cassis plus hints of fruitcake, Indian spices and tobacco leaf. The medium to full-bodied palate offers bags of baked berries flavors and a chewy texture with just enough freshness, finishing spicy. Judging by the slightly rustic tannins and suggestions of dried berry characters, I'm guessing the heat and drought had an impact this year. This said, the wine is very well crafted and delicious right now, although a good 3-4 years in bottle should soften the tannins and bring out further nuances.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021
The 2018 Gruaud Larose is inky, jammy and full-bodied. Crème de cassis, blackberry jam, spice, lavender and mint give the 2018 much of its extroverted personality. Gruaud Larose is one of the most extroverted wines on the Left Bank. The richness and elevated ripeness is evident in the 2018. It will be interesting to see what élevage brings. For my taste, Gruaud is on the edge of being too much. The blend is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019