Gruaud Larose - Saint-Julien 2014

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe4/2/2024

The 2014 Gruaud Larose marks the first step in the right direction, with much more freshness on the nose than previous vintages: blackberry, melted tar and cedar. There is simply a greater sense of purpose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp and sculpted, less rustic than before. I suspect this has much more longevity than the 2011 or 2012, with more grip and backbone evident on the finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023 and blind at the Southwold tasting in February 2024.

The Wine Independent

91

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe1/9/2024

Deep garnet in color, the 2014 Gruaud Larose drifts effortlessly out of the glass with notes of mince pie, baked plums, and fig paste plus suggestions of cigar box and dried herbs. The medium-bodied palate is subtle, restrained, and refreshing with chewy tannins and an earthy, slightly rustic finish.

Vinous

92

byNeal Martinthe3/28/2018

The 2014 Gruaud Larose has a sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, minerals, raspberry coulis and cedar aromas that waft generously from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, crisp and focused with impressive density in the mouth. It is grippy and assertive; clearly a Saint Julien predesigned for long-term ageing, with a precise finish that bodes well for the future. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Wine Advocate

90

byNeal Martinthe3/31/2017

The 2014 Gruaud Larose has a light and airy bouquet at first, one that gathers depth with aeration. It is a little conservative at the moment, dusky black fruit mixed with sage and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, slightly angular tannin. It is certainly fresh in the mouth, although it feels a tad pinched towards the finish; therefore, afford this 4-5 years in bottle to develop more substance and ambition.

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe2/16/2017

Aromas of strawberries and cherries follow through to a full body, silky tannins and a tangy finish. Fresh and clean. Linear and pretty. Purity of fruit is impressive. Drink in 2020.

Wine Enthusiast

92

byRoger Vossthe2/2/2017

The wine is all about fruit and balanced tannins. It is juicy, so drinkable now, although with enough structure to promise good aging. Perfumed black-currant fruits show strongly. The wine shows how this chateau continues to perform reliably. Drink from 2020.

Wine Spectator

92

byJames Molesworththe1/4/2017

Shows a perfumy hint, with black tea and allspice notes, followed by steeped plum and blackberry fruit. Light anise and apple wood details fill in on the finish. Best from 2020 through 2030.—J.M.

Le Point

16

byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015

Nez fermé, s’ouvre lentement sur les fruits rouges, bouche juteuse, fraîche, gourmande, bien mûre, tanins assez souples, épicé en finale. Bonne longueur. 

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92

byJeff Levethe5/5/2015

With a medium body and soft tannins, this wine is fresh, earthy and laced with crisp, crunch of fresh red and black fruits. 90-92 Pts

Wine Advocate

91-93

byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015

The 2014 Château Gruaud Larose is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot that was picked between September 24 and October 11 with the Petit Verdot. I was fermented in wooden and cement vats and is being aged in 40% new French oak. The bouquet unfolds nicely in the glass with blackberry, blueberry and cedar scents that are detailed and quite sensual. The new oak is a little more prominent than recent vintages but it is perfectly in sync with the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and citrus-like on the entry, the tannin fine and lending this nascent Gruaud Larose fine precision and poise. This is a superb Saint Julien: fresh and with a satin-like texture. Everything is in place for a promising evolution.

Asian Palate

91-93

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015

Well made Gruaud-Larose with suave tannins and lifted flavors - violets, black plum, blackberry and sweet spices. Beautifully composed and approachable early - should also age well over the next decade or two easily.

Decanter.com

17,5

bySteven Spurrierthe4/17/2015

Fragrant and floral fruit at the start, less weighty than in the past, with fine sweetness on the mid palate. Much more complexity to come. Drink: 2019-2030 (91)

Jancis Robinson

17

byJancis Robinsonthe4/16/2015

Rich, perfumed with a suggestion of dried fruit on the end. Very suave on the palate with the tannins only emerging on the finish. Well mannered rather than pushy, but it’s classic St-Julien. Drink 2024-2038

Jamessuckling.com

93-94

byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015

This is tight and compacted with beautiful fruit on the center palate. Full body, velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Very intense.

timatkin.com

90

byTim Atkin MWthe4/7/2015

René Gabriel

18

byRené Gabrielthe4/1/2015

58 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 29 % Merlot, 8 % Cabernet Franc, 5 % Petit Verdot. Produktion: 150'000 Flaschen Grand Vin. Der Zweitwein, der Sarget (Produktion 250'000 Flaschen), war sehr aromatisch mit viel schönen Cabernetausdruck und einer tollen Aromatik. Also war dies bereits ein gutes Omen für den «richtigen Gruaud». Mit 44 hl/ha war das eine gute Ernte. Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Faszinierendes Bouquet, die Cabernetexpression weist eine ganz deutliche, geradlinige Frische auf. Die nasalen Aromen; Cassis, Brombeeren, Zedern, auch einen feinen Hauch von Eucalyptus kann man darin finden. Er vermittelt eine barocke Tiefe, sowie ein ziemlich ausgelegtes Aromenfeld. Im Gaumen saftig, sehr elegante Tannine, gut balanciert und fast ein Bisschen auf dem femininen Trip. Aber vielleicht hat dieser gewisse, feminine Touch ja vielleicht auch etwas mit der neuen Kellermeisterin, Stéphanie Lebaron zu tun… 18/20 2020 – 2045

Wine Enthusiast

92

byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015

91–93. Barrel Sample. This is a powerful, dry wine showing solid tannins, powered by a background of perfumed black currant flavors. A beautiful balance of fruit and structure will develop down the line.   — R.V. (4/1/2015)

Wine Spectator

89-92

byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015

The cassis and black cherry fruit glides along here, with hints of warm fruitcake and licorice. Tarry accents emerge at the very end, giving this some depth and grip.This may fill out a bit more.