2006 Gruaud Larose
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Tasting notes
The 2006 Gruaud Larose has a very conservative nose with smoke, tobacco and light attic-like scents. It just needs more fruit and more presence. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, clove and sage infusing the black fruit. This is a bit rough around the edges, though I do not find the metallic tincture that marked the previous bottle. It’s just not a particularly memorable Gruaud Larose. Drink now. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Garnet-brick hue. Dark fruit with a hint of graphite. Solid, even a little austere but structured and upright. Has a certain power and reasonable length but hard and drying on the finish. (JL)
The 2006 Gruaud Larose replicates the half-dozen or so previous encountered bottles. It has a straightforward light red berry nose, a little static but I would not say dilute. Perhaps you would have asked for more given the prestige of the château? The palate is medium-bodied with a savory, lightly spiced entry with clove and sage notes. There is a slight metallic texture on the finish with tar and tobacco lining the finish. You could broach this now since it is not destined to be a long-term Gruaud that just lacks excitement and sophistication. Tasted from half-bottle at the château.
Deep, intense brambly fruit unfurls gently over the palate. Not yet reached its tertiary stage but this knows where it is going, and doesn’t mind taking a pause before softly sliding towards autumnal flavours. Tannins have a little extra bite on the finish. A very classy, classic St-Julien.
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.