A very strong effort for Gruaud Larose, possibly eclipsed by what they have done in 2009, this is a pure, full-bodied Gruaud Larose with plenty of new saddle leather, cedar wood, black currants, cherries, licorice, and Provencal herbs. Spicy, earthy, full-bodied, and rich, it has hit its plateau of full maturity, where it should stay for another 20 or more years.

Bright ruby. Liqueur-like aromas of roasted black raspberry, leather and grilled nuts. Lush, sweet and thick, with an almost unctuous texture and terrific volume. A wine of compelling sweetness and chewiness, not to mention sheer mouthfilling size. Finishes with huge, broad, sweet tannins and lingering notes of blackcurrant, coffee and leather. Classic, thoroughly ripe Gruaud-Larose.

Tasted at The Ledbury Gruaud Larose lunch, this bottle is consistent with previous encounters. The nose has very good lift, opening up a little more with age with blackberry, tobacco and showing a touch of crushed stone this time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins but bold and there is much more cohesion than the 1999. There is a hint of Hoi Sin towards the finish that is still dominated by blackberry, cedar and graphite. It needs another five or six years to really come round, but great potential. Tasted June 2011.

– eRobertParker.com, Jan 2012

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec. Brick colour. Shows full evolution. Leafy and earthy aromatically. Fresh but little complexity. Palate soft and supple but acidity marked and the finish drying. Full ripeness probably not attained. Unlikely to evolve further. (JL)