Chevalier de Gruard and Chevalier de La Rose owned this 70-hectare estate in Saint-Julien in the mid 18th century. Their two names were first associated on a label in 1781. Due to inheritance problems, the estate was divided in two until 1935, when Dsir Cordier, who had already bought a part in the early 1900s, restored the domain to its original size.

Since the 1980s, Gruard Larose has been held by groups of institutional investors before coming into the hands of the Merlant family in 1997. The vines are in a single block on a rise consisting of deep red gravel. Georges Pauli and his team have been responsible for wine growing since 1970. Due to their expert care, Gruard Larose’s soil is able to express its full potential. The wine is more than ever worthy of its Second Growth status in the 1855 classification.

This is a firm, well-placed cassis and redcurrant expression, ripe enough to highlight some of the best qualities of a classic St-Julien vintage, but not quite hitting its stride. Still, it has a lovely floral character and a fine tannic structure. An attractive carefully expressed Gruaud Larose with lots to enjoy. Drinking Window 2025 – 2038.

91 Points – Decanter