94 points,

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, January 1998

There seems to be no doubt about the quality of the 1986 Gruaud-Larose, which in 20 years should rival the extraordinary 1990, 1982, 1961, 1949, and 1928 made at this vast estate. From the first time I tasted this wine in cask, I have thought it to be among the blockbusters of the vintage. It has a black/purple color, mammoth structure, a fabulous wealth of fruit, and a finish that seems to last several minutes. This is indeed first-growth quality, but then, when, in the last decade, has a Gruaud-Larose not matched the quality of the first-growths? Given the enormous structure, impressive concentration, and massive tannins, one must wonder when this wine will be ready to drink. That may preclude a number of consumers from actually deciding to buy it. For many readers, this is probably a wine to lay down for their children, rather than for them to realistically consider drinking in their own lifetimes. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030. Last tasted, 7/97

89 points,

Wine Spectator, February 1991

Tight, flat, closed nose, with a cedary, tobacco nuance. Firm, dense structure, dusty with tannins. Fruit suppressed but roundness emerges, with a hint of cassis. Should be a big wine.--Gruaud-Larose vertical.

About Winery

Chateau Gruaud Larose is inland from Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou, Beychevelle, and Branaire-Ducru in the commune of St. Julien. (Appellation Saint Julien Controlée) 189 acres producing 32,000 cases. Classification: Second growth. Grape variety: 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Average age of the vines - 40 years. Vinification and aging: The wine is fermented in stainless steel vats, and aged in oak barrels for 20-22 months, renewed annually in thirds. In 1757, Mr. Gruaud grouped a number of small vineyards together to form one large one, under his name. Eventually a descendant of the first owner took over the property. His name was Larose, and he immediately linked his name to the estate, bought by Mr. Desire Cordier in 1915. Managed under the direction of Mr. Georges Pauly, the highly respected director of Domaines Cordier, Gruaud Larose is one of St. Julien's most popular wines. Its large production has a quality that is consistently very high. One of the most continuously successful wines produced in Bordeaux, regardless of vintage."

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