1981 - Gruaud Larose, Saint-Julien

The 1981 Gruaud Larose is a bottle that I chose when proprietor Jean Merlaut invited me to pick a mature vintage. Though it is now a rather forgotten year, I have fond memories of the Gruaud Larose and I was intrigued to find out if it was still drinking well. The answer is yes. At 37 years old it has an exquisite, understated but very well defined bouquet: briary, cedar and tobacco, less of the mintiness I have noticed in previous bottles but very pure. The palate is medium-bodied with light and crisp tannin. This is a well balanced, elegant and refined, classic “old school” Claret without a care in the world. Bottles of sound provenance will still give pleasure. Tasted at Gruaud Larose.