2010 Gruaud Larose (750ml) (FUTURE ARRIVAL)

WINE IS DUE TO ARRIVE IN 2012-14

Vintage: 2010
Format: 750ml
Wine Name: Château Gruaud Larose
Vineyard:
Designation:
Appellation: St. Julien
Producer: Château Gruaud Larose
Varietal: Red Bordeaux Blend
Type: Red
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Médoc

Tasting note: This gets my nod as the finest Gruaud Larose since the 2000 and 1990. The opaque purple-colored 2010 exhibits copious notes of Asian plum sauce, spice box, creme de cassis, loamy soil and a beefy/meaty character. It is full-bodied, dense and powerful, with stunning purity and no evidence of brett (a characteristic of the great Gruaud Larose wines made in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s). Given the 2010's tannin profile, it will require 5-8 years of cellaring and should keep for three decades thereafter. (92-94pts. Robert Parker)

Tasted: May 2011
Score: 92-94
Drink: N/A

Tasting note: I like the finish on this wine with a blueberry, currant and citrus fruit character on the nose and palate. Full and chewy with ultra-fine tannins and a bright acidity. (93-94pts, James Suckling)

Tasted: Apr. 2011
Score: 93-94
Drink: N/A

Tasting note: With yields of 40 hectoliters per hectare, the property produced a wine blending 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot with the remainder evenly split between Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine reached 13.8% alcohol in 2010, which is slightly higher than they achieved in 2009. Ruby colored, with scents of cassis, oak and gravel, this full bodied, brawny, beefy, traditional and tannic wine has some dryness in the finish. (91-93pts, Jeff Leve, Thewinecellarinsider.com)

Tasted: Apr. 2011
Score: 91-93
Drink: N/A

Tasting note: Offers a serious core of kirsch, blackberry and plum sauce notes, with lovely, velvety tannins taking over the pure, violet-tinged finish, which has length and grace. Shows more elegance than most of its peers in this vintage. (93-96pts. JM, Wine Spectator)

Tasted: Mar. 2011
Score: 93-96
Drink: N/A

Tasting note: Intense colour with dark hues. Aromatic nose of vanilla, bursting with fruits. Mellow on entry, leading to a firmer character on the mid-palate. Crammed with savours throughout, long and slightly austere on finish. We will have to see how it evolves at the elevage. A blend of 66% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 6% petit verdot. Alcohol content: 14°10- IPT: 78 (90pts. Jean-Marc Quarin)

Tasted: 2011
Score: 90
Drink: N/A