Gruaud Larose 2021 (750ML)

95 DE / 94 WA / 94 VM / 94 JA / 94 WI / 93 WCI

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 has turned out very nicely in bottle, unfurling in the glass with aromas of sweet wild berries, plums, violets and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and velvety, it's polished and seamless, with good depth at the core, supple tannins and lively acids. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

The 2021 Gruaud Larose is a wine of pure breeding and stature. Sepia-toned fruit, spice, new leather, licorice, gravel, dried herbs, pencil shavings and incense are beautifully amplified. Pliant and expansive in the glass, with terrific energy, the 2021 exudes class. Polished, supple tannins wrap it all together, before a final burst of vibrant acidity extends the finish.- Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Crayon and pencil lead on the opening beats, with grilled spice and black fruit. Savoury, cool vintage character, with balanced St Julien personality. Cabernet dominant, this shows real consistency with the En Primeur tasting, and is well worth looking out for. Last year of organic conversion. 95% new oak. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

The 2021 Gruaud Larose is composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vibrant notes of kirsch, juicy raspberries, and fresh blackcurrants giving way to underlying scents of violets, licorice, and wild sage plus a touch of pencil lead. The light to medium-bodied palate delivers lovely harmony, with impressively sustained mid-palate fruit and lots of mineral and earth accents framed by fine-grained tannins, finishing with great purity (1/9/24). - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent.

Classically styled, firm, bright, crisp and almost racy, the bright, red currants, blackberries and cherries shoe up discreetly with their savory, peppery edge intact. The finish is crunchy, chewy, and firm, with a chalky accent to the backend of the minty, leafy finish. The wine blends 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2027-2055.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider