Tasting Notes
Vinous – 90
The 2000 Gruaud Larose has a perfumed and floral nose, touches of leather, wild mint and just a little Brettanomyces in the background, though not as much as the 1990 tasted alongside. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fresher than the 1990, grainy tannins with touches of pencil lead and allspice. A little espresso and leather surface towards the slightly loose-knit finish suggests it will not improve with further bottle age. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the chateau in February 2023.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2034
JancisRobinson.com – 15.5
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec.Brick colour. Shows full evolution. Leafy and earthy aromatically. Fresh but little complexity. Palate soft and supple but acidity marked and the finish drying. Full ripeness probably not attained. Unlikely to evolve further. (JL)
Anticipated maturity: 2008-2022
Robert Parker – 93
Tasted at The Ledbury Gruaud Larose lunch, this bottle is consistent with previous encounters. The nose has very good lift, opening up a little more with age with blackberry, tobacco and showing a touch of crushed stone this time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins but bold and there is much more cohesion than the 1999. There is a hint of Hoi Sin towards the finish that is still dominated by blackberry, cedar and graphite. It needs another five or six years to really come round, but great potential. Tasted June 2011.
