With 13% Cabernet Franc - twice as much as usual - this is a proper, fresh and vibrant claret. Shows intelligent winemaking and a different character to the usual, with more floral and white pepper characters. Fragrant and subtle with rich, tightly-knit texture - the wine really seemed to flow well through the palate.
Rich, evolved, cedary, black currant and cherry fruit are present in this dark ruby-colored 2011. With medium body, pleasant ripeness and fruitiness, good purity and depth but no herbaceousness or hardness, it has a precocious, flattering, up-front appeal that suggests it will drink well for 10-15 years. 89 points – Robert Parker (Wine Advocate #212, April 2014)
The 2011 Gruaud Larose is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc (no Petit Verdot this year) picked from 14th September with the Merlot and finishing with the Cabernet on the 28th. It has 13.05% alcohol and an IPT of 74 and is being aged in 40% new oak. Tasted three times including at the property, it has a rounded bouquet with ripe blackcurrant aromas that is missing a little depth and has a metallic tincture. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft entry. It is a more feminine take on Gruaud, perhaps missing a little backbone and structure, but it displays fine purity and sweetness towards the finish. I am just looking for a little tension and precision.– eRobertParker.com, May 2012
The plum, cassis and raspberry fruit is allied to singed sandalwood and apple wood notes, with a lingering spice accent on the judiciously toasty finish. A rather elegant rendering of St.-Julien that should hold on well enough in the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2025. – James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, March 2014)
Lots of earthy, spicy and dried-fruit character. Full body, silky tannins and a fresh finish. Needs two years to come together. Try in 2017. – jamessuckling.com, Feb 2014
Tasted blind. Dark ruby. Hint of oak and cappuccino on the nose. A bit tarty and austere with a strange sweet overlay but perhaps I am being too critical? It does the biz without any transports of delight. Drink: 2022-2032 - – jancisrobinson.com, Nev 2015
Gruaud Larose can be underestimated in its early years but knows exactly how to show itself with a bit of bottle age, and this is a brilliant 2011. It opens, unfurls and picks up the pace through the palate. Cinnamon, sage, rosemary, tar, smoked dried herbs and saffron - totally delicious and with great focus. Strongly recommend. 40% new oak. Delicious now, but should a good decade further. Drinking Window 2021 - 2040
Blind tasted by Jane Anson(at Bordeaux, 19 Feb 2021)
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