Chateau Gruaud Larose 2014, St. Julien (1x37.5cl)

This is a powerful, dry wine showing solid tannins, powered by a background of perfumed black currant flavors. A beautiful balance of fruit and structure will develop down the line. Barrel Sample: 91-93

Shows a perfumy hint, with black tea and allspice notes, followed by steeped plum and blackberry fruit. Light anise and apple wood details fill in on the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030.

The 2014 Gruaud Larose has a light and airy bouquet at first, one that gathers depth with aeration. It is a little conservative at the moment, dusky black fruit mixed with sage and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, slightly angular tannin. It is certainly fresh in the mouth, although it feels a tad pinched towards the finish; therefore, afford this 4-5 years in bottle to develop more substance and ambition.

While I wasn’t able to taste the 2015, the 2014 Graud Larose is an attractive, classically styled Saint-Julien that has ripe currant fruits as well as lots of herbal/tobacco undertones, cedary spice, and earthy aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied, concentrated, and texture, with a chewy, rustic, endearing style. I like its balance and this old-school beauty will keep for at least 15-20 years.