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.