Needs coaxing out of the glass, as is true with so many 2005s even at 16 years old, but straight off the first nose you get the most beautiful nuance and turmeric-strewn spice. It's exotic if subtle, with a creamy texture, grilled oak, black chocolate shavings, cassis and raspberry, all with the most beautiful sense of tiptoing through the palate, holding the line. Exceptionally well balanced, slate and smoked earth, giving signature St Julien finesse. You have really had to be patient for this wine, but it is utterly spellbinding, and starting to show its potential. Harvest September 20 to October 10. This one really does benefit from being carafed, because it keeps so much of itself hidden (I tasted it once in a carafe and once straight from the bottle). Brilliant, full of flavour. Harvest September 20 to October 11, 35% new oak. Drink Now - 2040
Tasted 16th November 2021 - Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux

Dark, brick rimmed mature mahogany red; slightly gamey character on the nose, but fresh and refined to smell too; a rich middleweight with a fresh defining acidity, and a fine grained tannin; long, dry, elegant, St Julien; flavoury, vital, finely tannic, on the more solid side, with a good fruit core and excellent aromatic length. Slightly old fashioned in style, but classy and complete, and good value! Still a bit chewy, would be good with food, but essentially needing time to become more harmonious. 2020-35+

The Château Gruaud Larose 2005 has an open bouquet: quite savoury in style with touches of bacon fat and cured meat infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly angular tannin. The acidity is well judged although it still needs to develop a little cohesion towards the finish. It seems to have just lost a little length since I last tasted it – obviously still going through its awkward “teenager” moment. I am sure it will come down from its bedroom at some point and those sage and thyme notes on the aftertaste continue to appeal..

– eRobertParker.com, Feb 2015

Aromas of blackberry, meat and earth follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a rich finish. Decadent, balanced and very approachable already. I thought it would have been a little better than this. Best after 2014.

– James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, March 2008)

The 2005 Gruaud Larose has a deep ruby/purple color, excellent concentration, and clean, pure black and red currant fruit, licorice and spice. It is medium to full-bodied, lush, and very soft and round. I’m surprised how drinkable it is already, although it is certainly capable of lasting 15 or more years.

Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #219, Jun 2015)