2009 Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien

“A beautiful example of the estate and the vintage, you can dive right in to the depth of cassis and bilberry fruits, studded with tobacco leaf, charcoal, crushed rocks, cocoa powder and juicy raspberries. Delivers appellation typicity and then some, stretches out through the palate, excellent quality. It's not the power so much as the perfect placing, everything working together to deliver a delicious drinking claret - and it's one where I would recommend the 2009 over the 2010, at least for the next decade. Eric Boissenot consultant, 50% new oak.” (09/2024)

“I like the aromas of sliced mushroom, berries and wet earth, that follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a chewy finish. A fit, yet polished wine here. Try after 2020.” (02/2012)

“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. This beauty should be at its best between 2020-2045. (RP)” (02/2012)

“Deep garnet-colored with a touch of brick, the 2009 Gruaud Larose comes galloping out with ready-to-go scents of stewed black plums, blackcurrant jelly, and rose oil followed by suggestions of sandalwood, cast-iron pan, and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is drinking deliciously right now, delivering firm, velvety tannins and just enough freshness to the generous fruit, finishing long and perfumed. (LPB)” (01/2024)

“Dark ruby-red. Intense aromas of red cherry, cassis, aromatic herbs and cedar. Rich, dense and suave, with concentrated flavors of dark berries, cedar and quinine complicated by smoky and peppery nuances. Finishes very long and smooth, with a highly tactile quality to the cedar and cassis flavors. This Gruaud stands out for its purity, as it seems free of the earthy and gamey nuances that have been present in many past vintages. In fact, this impressive wine strikes me as the best young Gruaud-Larose in recent memory. (ST) 92+” (07/2012)

“The 2009 Gruaud Larose is far superior to the previous vintage; interestingly, the first vintage is based on only Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. There's much more fruit concentration here, with blackberry and raspberry laced with iodine and incense. It is cohesive, though not as complex as the bottle four years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, dark chocolate, sage and a long tail on the finish. There is an immediate attraction to this Gruaud Larose, though I suspect it will not get much better than it is now. (NM)” (03/2024)

“Initially wood dominates, but this is a stage after bottling. Because then the ripe, smooth fruit comes in, pouring through with black fruits, very ripe and juicy. As this wine develops, this rich fruit will be its main character. (RV)” (02/2012)

“This has good density, with fleshy blackberry and blueberry cobbler flavors laced with anise, sweet spice, and smoldering maduro tobacco notes. Long and well-structured, with fresh, embedded acidity. (JM)” (03/2012)

“68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot. Garnet with a touch of brick at the rim. Fresh and fragrant with blackcurrant, blackberry and graphite notes. Builds on the palate, the fruit and tannins all in place. Really quite racy. Combines a subdued power and charm. (JL)” (03/2023)