Ch Gruaud Larose 2022

Saint Julien

€ 98.49/ Per fles min. 12 flessen

Vinous – Neil Martin – 95-97/100
The 2022 Gruaud Larose was picked from 7 to 24 September and includes
a little more pressed wine this year: 13.5% exclusively from Cabernet
Sauvignon due to the quality. This latest vintage matured for a planned 18
months in 95% new oak. Significantly, this is the first year under organic
certification (notice two storks on the label signifying this. Maybe they are
carrying a little Gruaud baby?) At 13.64% alcohol, this is less than many
other properties for those seeking slower intoxication. It has an impressive
bouquet with pure blackberry and raspberry fruit, black truffle and sousbois scents. I am impressed by its delineation and focus; frankly, these are
the nicest aromatics I’ve encountered for a while at this address. The
palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins. I cannot remember a
Gruaud at this nascent stage that exhibits this level of energy and tension
deriving from the Cabernet Sauvignon extracted at the beginning of
vinification. There’s much more precision here. Mineral-driven toward the
Neal Martin. Tasting date: April 2023
finish, this easily surpasses vintages made at the estate over the last
decade and more. Perhaps like the legendary Gruauds of old (1982, 1961,
1928, even 1870)? Gruaud reborn.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – 94-96/100
The progress at this estate continues with the terrific 2022 Gruaud Larose, a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc that unfurls in the glass with deep aromas of minty blackberries, violets and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it’s elegantly muscular, with a broad attack that segues into a concentrated mid-palate framed by supple, powdery tannins. Richer and more brooding than its 2020 and 2019 counterparts, it confirms Gruaud’s return to the Saint-Julien élite. Around one-third of the production made it into the grand vin this year, the château’s first with organic certification.