Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 2. Cru Classé 2018, ekologisk, i trälåda

Jeb Dunnuck

Based on 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Château Gruaud Larose sports a dense purple hue as well as a stunning nose of pure crème de cassis, cedar pencil shavings, blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, and a liquid rock-like sense of minerality. This dense, almost broodingly backward, concentrated Saint-Julien has flawless balance, a remarkable sense of purity, masses of tannins, and one hell of a great finish. Seemingly almost from a more austere year (say 2000 or 2010), it's not going to hit maturity for at least a decade and should cruise in cold cellars for 20-30 years. It's a brilliant wine!

Falstaff

Very dark ruby with an opaque core and purple reflections. Already approachable. Sweet spice nuances combine with dark berry fruit, delicate liquorice, and fine oak, as well as ripe cherries in the background. Complex, juicy, and pronounced in fruit texture, it has fine, ripe tannins, noticeable Cabernet Franc content, good freshness, and a long mineral finish. It has the potential to age for many years.

Tastingbook.com

James Suckling

Aromas of currants, blackberries, dried flowers, dark chocolate and tobacco leaves. Citrus zest, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, ultra fine tannins. Complex and layered with a juicy core of ripe fruit. Silky and delicious. Very creamy and fine-tannined. Better from 2025.

Jean-Marc Quarin

Vivino