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Gruaud Larose 2021 (375ML)
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Critic Scores, Reviews & Descriptions
95 DE / 94-95+ WA / 91-93 WI / 90-92 VM
Black peppercorns, tobacco, ash, vanilla, cinnamon and cedar spice. A gorgeous mouthfeel straight away, the tannins so plump, not heavy or opulent but filling and ripe. This has a charming gentle aspect - a smooth, sleek texture with concentration. Supple and agile, there is lots of energy here, filled with red fruit flavours that have a delicate, sweet liquorice edge. Acidity does not overtake the fruit at all, just lifts the palate all the way through. Excellent work, immensely pleasurable, well framed with promise for long ageing. More Cabernet in the blend than usual. Ageing 14 months in French oak barrels, 15% new, the rest one year old. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter
The 2021 Gruaud Larose is very impressive, exhibiting deep aromas of wild berries, cherries and cassis mingled with hints of licorice, violets and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's impressively rich and layered, with lively acids and ripe tannins, it concludes with a pure and penetrating finish. Classically balanced and intensely flavored, it's an elegant, beautifully made wine that is well worth seeking out. Three beautiful parcels of recently planted Cabernet Sauvignon, situated on deep gravel ideally adapted to this variety but hitherto planted with Merlot, make a contribution to the blend this year; but that's only one of the factors that explain why Gruaud has produced a 2021 that looks set to rival or surpass even recent and more propitious vintages such as 2018. The blend is fully 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by 12% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, and it checks in at 12.5% alcohol. Congratulations are in order for technical director Virginie Sallette and the entire team at Gruaud Larose! Tasted twice. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate
The 2021 Gruaud Larose is made from 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 23 September to 7 October, and aging in 95% new oak for an anticipated 18 months. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a lot of coaxing to unlock notes of ripe blackcurrants, fresh blackberries, and mulberries, leading to wafts of pencil shavings, dried roses, and crushed rocks, plus a hint of tapenade. Light to medium-bodied, the palate has great tension and energy with a great backbone of ripe grainy tannins and loads of mineral and earth layers, finishing with a refreshing lift. It has an impressive quiet intensity that really works. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent.
The 2021 Gruaud Larose was picked from September 23 until October 7, finishing with the Petit Verdot, and stopping several times to wait for ripeness in certain plots. It was matured in 95% new oak for a planned 18 months. The Cabernet Sauvignon clearly dominates the nose, the black fruit, graphite and touches of tobacco lending it a Pauillac-like allure. The palate is medium-bodied with supple but quite firm tannins that frame the graphite-infused black fruit. Quite direct, and in some ways a no-frills Gruaud Larose, though that is not meant pejoratively. Classically styled claret – no more, no less. (12.55% alcohol) - Neal Martin, Vinous Media