2016 Gruaud Larose

This opens with aromas of tobacco, black currants and gentle earthiness. Medium- to full-bodied, with firmness and focus rather than weight, showing refined, integrated tannins. Drinkable now, but will benefit from a couple of years of cellaring. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.

The 2016 Gruaud Larose has a beautiful nose that is much more pure than the vintages from the noughties. It's well-defined with blackberry, blueberry and crushed violet scents. This is much more floral in style. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, supple and poised, with a gentle build in the mouth, but, to use a word I wrote before, there is something sedate about this Gruaud; it doesn’t want to create too much fuss. Lovely. (NM)

69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc . Crimson hue. Still primary and youthful with blueberry and blackcurrant notes. Dense and driven with a depth of fruit and solid tannic frame. Bit more intensity than the 2015 tasted previously. Length and persistence on the finish. Compact and built for ageing. (JL)