2006 Gruaud Larose

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Garnet-brick hue. Dark fruit with a hint of graphite. Solid, even a little austere but structured and upright. Has a certain power and reasonable length but hard and drying on the finish. (JL)

The 2006 Gruaud Larose replicates the half-dozen or so previous encountered bottles. It has a straightforward light red berry nose, a little static but I would not say dilute. Perhaps you would have asked for more given the prestige of the château? The palate is medium-bodied with a savory, lightly spiced entry with clove and sage notes. There is a slight metallic texture on the finish with tar and tobacco lining the finish. You could broach this now since it is not destined to be a long-term Gruaud that just lacks excitement and sophistication. Tasted from half-bottle at the château.

Deep, intense brambly fruit unfurls gently over the palate. Not yet reached its tertiary stage but this knows where it is going, and doesn’t mind taking a pause before softly sliding towards autumnal flavours. Tannins have a little extra bite on the finish. A very classy, classic St-Julien.