Ch.Gruaud Larose 2009 750ml

Wine Advocate #199, Dec 23, 2011, by Robert M. Parker, Jr.
As I wrote in my barrel tasting note, the 2009 appears to be the finest Gruaud Larose since their 1990. Some of my concerns about too much brett in previous vintages are long gone as the purity of the 2009 jumps out. Copious notes of sagebrush, cedar, cigar box, licorice, incense, blackberries and lead pencil shavings suggest a big Pauillac rather than a St.-Julien. Broad, rich and full-bodied with good balance and abundant, but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this big, masculine Gruaud Larose reveals remarkable finesse, richness, extract, density and a cascade of fruit that nearly hides the lofty tannins.

Gruaud gets its inspiration from the soil, the tannins and the terroir. Larose brings poetry, aromas and bouquet. So could Abbe Gruaud have described his wine, a wine full of Elegance and Force. Chateau Gruaud Larose is different from other wines. Abbe Gruaud wanted it subtle, racy, comparable to the most beautiful artworks in the world. Year after year, we continue his work. Always timid and reserved when young, a Gruaud Larose slowly reveals its character. Sometimes showing a capricious nature, it decides one day to express its Force and then another day to reveal its Elegance. One says that it "is very Larose" when it is young, elegant and charmer. But this Larose hides a power that only faithful friends can feel. At the first approach, you feel charmed and wish to meet again to better know and discover its personality. Further talks and exchanges and then the wine tells you more about itself, it is like a revelation. Only at this point, you can perfectly perceive that the underlining and structuring force, due to a traditional and rigorous education, becomes elegance and refinement. Then, at its most beautiful age, the wine becomes poetry. Suddenly aromas and bouquet, the strong identity of both soil, tannins and terroir seem eternal like for the 1870 vintage.

Meats, Lamb