A barrel sample made up of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Gruaud Larose offers a lifted nose of violets and kirsch over a core of cassis, baked plums and black raspberries with hints of cigar box, menthol and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, elegant and very finely structured with ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it has loads of vibrant red and black fruits with a mineral-laced finish.

A firm and silky young red with an attractive center palate of fruit and hints of cedar. Fresh, tight and compacted. - jamessuckling.com, April 2018

Well-built, with plum and blackberry fruit that is very fresh, thanks to bright acidity. Light floral, anise and graphite notes add range. A savory streak keeps the finish going. - James Molesworth, winespectator.com, April 2018

The 2017 Gruaud Larose was picked from 15 to 20 September for the Merlot and from 21 to 3 October for the Cabernets, fermented in wood and cement tanks and aged in French oak, 80% new for 18 to 24 months. It comes in with 12.88° alcohol. Quite deep in colour, it has an introverted bouquet at first that demands a lot of coaxing from the glass. There are notes of black cherry, iodine and just a touch of pencil lead. The palate is medium-bodied with finely balanced. An unpretentious but pretty Gruaud Larose that is benefitted by what is clearly a prudent extraction. The oak is neatly integrated with a linear, almost pastille-like finish and quite a sustained aftertaste. - vinous.com, May 2018

The 2017 Gruaud Larose is pliant, deep and quite expressive, while staying light on its feet. In 2017, Gruaud is a wine of precision and nuance rather than volume. There is lovely persistence and nuance in the glass. Even so, I can't help thinking there is quite a bit of unrealized potential here. All of the wine was fermented in oak vats, with slightly higher than normal temperatures for the Cabernets. - vinous.com, May 2018

The ultimate in fine, traditional claret, Gruaud Larose combines clean, modern winemaking with traditional style. Mineral, fresh and a whiff of toast on the nose. Nicely balanced with fresh red fruits, moderate weight. A little green on the finish. - April 2018

Mid greyish crimson. Sweetness of black fruit and oak spice on the nose with a hint of vanilla. Fresh, very light on the palate but the tannins are silky enough to be in balance with this rather light-bodied wine. Harmonious but it seems too light for the very long term. - Julia Harding, jancisrobinson.com, April 2018

67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc. Garnet hue. Open, forward and fruity with just a touch of vanilla oak. Medium-bodied; light but fine tannic frame. Plenty of freshness. No great complexity or ageing potential but well crafted for pleasant early drinking. (JL)

Mid greyish crimson. Sweetness of black fruit and oak spice on the nose with a hint of vanilla. Fresh, very light on the palate but the tannins are silky enough to be in balance with this rather light-bodied wine. Harmonious but it seems too light for the very long term. (JH)