1990 Gruaud Larose Bordeaux Blend

Bordeaux Blend - 750ML
Reg: $239.94
$204.94
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REVIEWS

DC 94 TWI 94 JR 90 WA 90
DC 94

Decanter, May 2021

An estate known for its long ageing, and here it has softened at 31 years old, but still offering silky tannins and autumnal fruits with cedar smoked oak, marzipan, dried leather and gentle truffled spice. A thoroughly...
TWI 94

The Wine Independent, January 2024

Medium brick colored, the 1990 Gruaud Larose opens with gorgeous floral notes of dried roses and lavender before giving way to kirsch, fallen leaves, leather, and iron ore notes plus a touch of dried bay leaves. The light...
JR 90

Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages, June 2002

(17/20) Deep crimson, but with some evolution. Sweet but quite simple nose of ripe fruit. Relatively simple nose with hints of rhubarb. And rather one-dimensional palate too. Tough tannins. Touch of California about this...
WA 90

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, July 2016

Tasted in that well-known Bordeaux appellation called "Burgundy," the 1990 Château Gruaud Larose is a Saint Julien that has always flirted with funkiness. Here that came through quite strongly on this occasion, partly...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region St Julien
Vintage 1990
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 12.5%
Closure Cork

Chateau Gruaud Larose was established in the 18th century in the commune of Saint-Julien, when Joseph Stanislas Gruaud united three of his estates under the name of “Fonbedeau”, also called Gruaud. He left the property upon his death to Monsieur de Larose, and in 1781 the name of the new owner was added to that of its predecessor.

When Monsieur de Larose died, the estate was divided among his heirs and the property was split into separate estates. Desire Cordier bought the first two shares, and in 1935 bought the last remaining estate. The property was then reconstituted covering 137 hectares of which 68 are under vine. The company changed hands in 1982, 1993, and again in 1997, when the Merlaut family, already owners of several Medoc cru estates, bought Gruaud Larose.

Today, the Gruaud Larose vineyard is composed of the noble Bordeaux varieties, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (7%) and Petit Verdot (3%). The average age of the vines of Gruaud Larose is about forty years, although the most ancient of these are nearly 100 years old.

This is a classic style from the Saint Julien appellation which was ranked a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The vines are planted on 82 hectares of Garonne gravel. Grapes are handpicked and matured for 16-18 months in French, fine grain, oak barrels. Annual production of the grand vin averages around 150,000 bottles.

The 1990 Gruaud Larose is a Bordeaux Blend from the prestigious Saint Julien region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine has a deep crimson color, showcasing its maturity and evolution over time. The nose of this wine is complex and intriguing, with soft black fruit notes accompanied by melted tar, graphite, leather, and game. There is also a slight touch of brettanomyces, adding a unique funkiness to the aroma.

On the palate, the 1990 Gruaud Larose delivers a gaminess that carries from start to finish, reflecting the warmth of the summer in which it was produced. The tannins are melted and well-integrated, providing a smooth and enjoyable mouthfeel. Towards the finish, there is a touch of dryness, adding complexity to the wine.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this wine a score of 90, praising its enjoyable nature despite the slight funkiness. The publication described it as a pleasurable Saint Julien that can be enjoyed over the next 15 years. Jancis Robinson also awarded this wine a score of 90, noting its deep crimson color and simple yet attractive nose of ripe fruit. However, Robinson did mention the presence of tough tannins and a hint of California influence.

With an alcohol percentage of 12.5%, this wine showcases the elegance and balance that Bordeaux blends are known for. The 1990 Gruaud Larose is a classic representation of the Saint Julien terroir and is a wine that will continue to evolve and impress with age. Its complexity, gaminess, and intriguing aromas make it a wine worth savoring and exploring.