1993 Gruaud Larose
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Tasting notes
The 1993 Gruaud Larose, harvested on September 28, is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Bright garnet in color, the 1993 has a respectable, if conservative, bouquet that opens confidently in the glass, revealing scents of blackberry, strawberry, a touch of vanilla and cedar, all delivered with commendable definition. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, and it's here that the vintage begins to compromise the wine. The tannins are dry and a bit mealy, and the finish is stilted and lacking breadth and depth. Previous bottles have shown better, implying that it is in decline. 12.5% alcohol. Tasted in April 2013 at the "-3 vintage" vertical at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
This is an attractive wine for the vintage. The provocative nose of grilled meats, smoked herbs, olives, and earthy, truffle-scented black fruits is intense (perhaps too fragrant for many tasters). The wine is soft, ripe, and medium-bodied, with surprising levels of sweet fruit and glycerin, as well as low acidity. This is one Gruaud-Larose that is best drunk during its first decade of life.
A seductive beauty. Medium in body, lovely, silky tannins and plenty of minty, cherry, berry character. Delicious now but will improve with age. Drink now through 2000. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1996.
This is an attractive wine for the vintage. The provocative nose of grilled meats, smoked herbs, olives, and earthy, truffle-scented black fruits is intense (perhaps too fragrant for many tasters). The wine is soft, ripe, and medium-bodied, with surprising levels of sweet fruit and glycerin, as well as low acidity. This is one Gruaud-Larose that is best drunk during its first decade of life. Feb 1997, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. Gruaud Larose is a Second Growth estate in Saint-Julien, Bordeaux. It is often considered one of the best-value Left Bank estates, with the wines occasionally matching those of the First Growths.