Chateau Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2018

The 2018 Gruaud Larose has a burly and powerful nose with blackberry and juniper, perhaps without the same precision as the previous vintage, the summer stamping its authority over the aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly lactic entry, though less than before, with dark chocolate infusing the black fruit with a dab of black pepper and spice box on the finish. It finishes with style, though I prefer the 2019 by comparison. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023.

• Drinking Window: 2028 - 2050
• Reviewer Name: Neal Martin
• Review Date: March 2024