Gruaud Larose 1982 (1.5L)

100 RP / 97 FS / 96+ VM / 96 WA / 96 WCI / 18 JR

"The monumental 1982 Gruaud Larose, which I think I've said before is clearly the greatest Gruaud Larose I have ever tasted, and I have had most of them - back through the 1920s. The 1961 stands out, but this wine is maybe one of the youngest, biggest, most massive 1982s, and at age 34 is still going incredibly strong. The color is still opaque garnet/plum/purple. The wine shows licorice, copious quantities of blackcurrants and a hint of licorice, earth and tar. The wine is full-bodied, almost painfully extracted, but the sweet tannin and voluptuous texture that is so much a hallmark of this great vintage are all present in this amazing wine that seems ageless. It will hit 50 years in great shape." - Robert Parker, 100 Points Hedonist's Gazette #955

Strong ruby ​​garnet, delicate ocher reflections, wider edge brightening. Finely spicy bouquet, nuances of blueberries and cherries, delicately animalic, sun-drenched undergrowth, a touch of moist gravel and nougat. Substantial dark wild berry confit, ripe tannins, extract-sweet and long-lasting, intense and likeable wine that can always show off, especially in great years, although always a bit rustic. A large farmer with a brocade vest and a gold pocket watch.-Peter Moser, Falstaff

Bright red with a pale rim. The still-closed nose reluctantly releases aromas of red cherry, sweet spices, aromatic herbs and coffee. Dense, rich and fleshy, with ripe red cherry, tobacco and forest floor flavors given shape by harmonious acidity and smooth tannins. The very long, slightly chewy finish shows a peppery chocolatey persistence. This is developing at a snail's space and might last another three or four decades in a cold cellar, but while its tannic structure is noble and impressive, I'd probably want to check in on it again in five years' time to see how the fruit is holding up.- Ian D'Agata, Vinous Media

One of the most powerful, massive wines of the vintage is the 1982 Gruaud Larose, a full-bodied, broad and concentrated effort redolent of ripe black fruits, loamy soil, smoked meats, leather, espresso roast and hints of cigar wrapper. Rich, layered and expansive, its deep core of ripe, fleshy fruit is framed by sweet, powdery tannins. As ever with the wines of the Cordier era, the fly in the ointment is that the wine's wild, somewhat animal profile is strongly marked by the presence of Brettanomyces, yet the 1982's intensely characterful, singular style means that I am personally able to overlook that defect. Still youthful, and actually evolving more slowly than the brilliant 1986, this is likely to number among the longer-lived wines of the vintage. Tasted DEC/2022.--William Kelley, The Wine Advocate

From a magnum, this was gorgeous in every way. Earthy, meaty, black and red currants, herbs, smoke, tobacco leaf, cedar, and cigar box notes were all over the place. Full-bodied, packed, and just a bit rustic around the edges, this is classic Bordeaux at its best. This is one of the top wines of the vintage. Drink from 2022-2035.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider, tasted 7/22

Cool and very fresh with a seam of graphite. Drier than the Grand Puy Lacoste 1982 served blind alongside. More intense but with more obvious acidity. It may be drying out but I have given it the benefit of the doubt.-Jancis Robinson