Chateau Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2022

The 2022 Gruaud Larose, the first year made organically, left a big impression when tasted from barrel, evoking some of the legendary wines from the estate encountered in the past. Bottled in May 2024, it has a supremely well-defined bouquet featuring intense black fruit laced with pencil box and forest floor scents. Typically Saint-Julien in style—this communicates where it comes from. The palate is fresh and vibrant. This is a more structured and delineated Gruaud than previous vintages, with greater brightness. It has "clean lines," so to speak, gently fanning out toward the finish that contains just the right amount of sapidity and becomes peppery with time in the glass. This is an outstanding success that completely justifies my positive review—who knows, it may kick on from bottle.

• Drinking Window: 2028 - 2070
• Reviewer Name: Neal Martin
• Review Date: February 2025