Chateau Gruaud Larose 2012

Deep and intense. Beefy, with mild fruit tones(mulberries, blueberry, blackcurrant, plums) and mintiness. Leathery, peppery, toasty with a freshness from the 2012 vintage. Medium-bodied at 13.5% with 15+ seconds of fruit length. High level of complexity from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (61% of the vineyard), Merlot (29%), Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (10%). The balance and structure is fne; astringency is under control. Another 5 years in bottle.

Consistent scores(RP92, JS93, WE94)and well-liked by international tasters such as:

RP92

The Grand Vin is a blend of 66.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 6.5% Petit Verdot, delivering 13.46% alcohol and an IPT of 73. Harvest commenced on 2nd October with the Merlot, the Cabernet picked between 11th and 18th October. The bouquet is fresh with expressive Merlot - not a complex aromatic profile but expanding nicely in the glass with subtle floral notes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a gentle but insistent grip. The acidity is well judged and it builds very nicely in the mouth to a finish that is more sophisticated than the nose presently suggests. This will be a fine, medium-term Gruaud Larose. Tasted April 2013.

JS93

This has a very good depth of fruit and silky tannins. Layered and pretty. It has a serious finish for the vintage. Currants. Hints of hazelnuts. Like it. This should be better than 2011. Look forward to seeing them against one another in the bottle. Tasted 2015.

Wine Enthusiast 94

With so much spicy fruit, intensely ripe blackberry flavours and solid tannins, all the elements of excellence are here and powered by a firm structure. This wine has weight and a fine Cabernet concentration. *Barrel Sample.* (4/2013)