1972 Gruaud Larose

The 1972 Gruaud Larose was proprietor Jean Merlaut’s first vinification, though his amusing introduction for this wine did not raise anyone's hopes of a drinkable wine from a terrible growing season. That said, the nose is not execrable, with strong sous-bois , sage, leather and vegetal aromas. Put it this way: I have encountered a lot worse. The palate is very lean and scrawny, the vegetal notes dominate the mid-palate, and it finishes searingly dry and lean. Is it undrinkable? Maybe after the first sip. Tasted in April 2012 at the "-2 vintage" vertical at the château.