Gruaud Larose St Julien 2eme Cru 2021

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Gruaud Larose
Label Name:
 
St Julien 2eme Cru
Vintage:
 
2021
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Julien, Bordeaux (Médoc)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
12.5%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Merlot 12%, Cabernet Franc 4%
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94–95+; Vinous (Neal Martin) 90–92; Jane Anson / InsideBordeaux ~94; Decanter 90–92. Noted for Cabernet dominance, concentration and long ageing potential

Tasting Note
Concentrated blackcurrant, blackberry and cassis with violet, tobacco, graphite and subtle spice. Medium–full-bodied, firm grainy tannins, lively acidity and mineral undertow; elegant, structured and long, with cedar and dark chocolate on the finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, ribeye, braised short ribs, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu, Korean BBQ (bulgogi), miso-glazed eggplant, rich Cantonese beef dishes.

Production Method
Plot-based vinification in thermo-regulated oak vats; fermentation at 24–26°C, 20–30 day maceration, co-inoculated malolactic; aged 18 months in French oak (≈95% new).

Vineyard Info
Château Gruaud-Larose, 2ème Cru Classé (Saint-Julien), ~82 ha; historic estate (since 1725) owned by the Merlaut group, recent quality gains under technical director Virginie Sallette.