2022 Gruaud Larose
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2022 Ch. Gruaud Larose has an impressively deep colour. The aromas are at first quite compact but there is complexity here with sweet cassis fruit notes, classic estuarine mineral notes and earthy savoury aromas. The palate has dense, refined tannins and the extraction is measured, giving a lovely mid-level structure. The tannins are beautifully integrated, and there is a delightful balance of ripe fruit and saline notes. The finish is refreshing, demonstrating the exceptional balance.
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Gruaud Larose is a step up from Branaire-Ducru in terms of complexity and delineation, quite minerally, nicely focused with tobacco and espresso-tinged blackberry. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, quite structured and austere, especially towards the very Saint-Estèphe-like finish. Like other Saint-Juliens, I do not feel this is representative. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 18 months in French oak (95% new). 2022 was the first certified organic vintage for Gruaud-Larose, which is also a first for all of St-Julien. Excellent gravelly tone with gentle tannin and pure, ripe black fruit. Brisk acid. Remarkably accessible, no greenness. Promises to age well. (RH)
Bottled in May 2024, the 2022 Gruaud Larose has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, violets, vine smoke, pen ink and tar. Medium to full-bodied, dense and layered, it's rich and broad, with terrific depth at the core, sweet structuring tannins and a long, expansive finish. Checking in at 13.6% alcohol, it's the estate's first organic-certified vintage.
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.