61% cabernet sauvignon 29% merlot 7% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot. Aged in one-third new oak barrels. Dark fruit notes of blackberry and marion berry burst from the glass supported by aromas of dark chocolate tobacco and a touch of cedar. With a broad and weighty mouthfeel the wine coats the mid-palate while vibrant acidity provides nice balanced lift to the tannic structure. The excellent texture carries through the lingering finish. One of the more full-bodied wines from St. Julien in 2011 this will need 8-10 years to really come into balance and should be beautiful to drink through 2030.

The 2011 Gruaud Larose has a well-defined nose, more savoury, earthier in style, singed leather and undergrowth/damp moss infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, spicy red fruit laced with tobacco and a little soy. Fine tension here, quite harmonious towards the finish, this is a fine Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. -- Neal Martin