2002 - Gruaud Larose, Saint-Julien

A stubborn vintage that remains bedded down, but shows beautifully as it opens. Caramel and smoked cedar aromatics, with a darker register overall than the 2001 - cassis, bilberry, black pepper, all densely structured. It's an excellent wine, but less signature Gruaud Larose/St Julien than some of the others in the lineup, more strict, reflecting a vintage where it was a little tougher to reach full ripeness. Give this a long carafe to let the tannins soften, and the beauty will appear, with a juicy mint leaf finish, and gentle smoky notes that curl up out of the glass. Harvest September 26 to October 6, 35% new oak.

The 2002 Gruaud Larose has a straightforward tobacco and sous-bois scented bouquet that simply needs more fruit and more presence. Quite austere. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly coarse texture and fine acidity, but some rusticity towards the finish feels a bit shallow. Not bad, though the bottle encountered just a year earlier certainly showed better. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023.

The 2002 Gruaud Larose is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec. Deep garnet-brick in color, it charges out of the gate with bold expressions of plum preserves, redcurrant jelly, and sweaty leather leading to touches of iron ore and iodine with a touch of dried herbs. The light to medium-bodied palate is delicate and mature, with mineral and savory layers and a light chewiness to the finish. Drink up!