Castle Gruaud Larose - Saint-Julien 1998

Jamessuckling.com

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe9/1/2016

This is really impressive for the vintage and shows lots of mature Bordeaux character with tobacco, currant, plum and leaf aromas and flavors. Medium body, delicate tannins and a fresh finish. For Bordeaux aficionados. Drink now.

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2001

Gruaud-Larose has fashioned an elegant, less rustic wine than previous vintages. The color is a healthy dark ruby/purple. The bouquet offers aromas of plums, black raspberries, and cassis. Stylish, with medium to full body, sweet tannin, and excellent purity as well as overall symmetry, it will drink well between 2004-2016.

Wine Spectator

86 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/2001

Very plummy, with berry, currant and stone aromas. Medium-bodied, with berry and slightly herbal flavors. Medium finish. A bit tough. Best after 2006. 20,830 cases made.

Wine Advocate

90-91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2000

This wine, which revealed astringent tannin last spring, has fattened up, expanded its mid-palate, and the tannin has become sweeter and better integrated. A black/purple color is followed by intense aromas of cherry liqueur, cassis, smoke, dried herbs, and leather. Heady, ripe, medium to full-bodied, and authoritatively flavored, this effort has good weight and overall balance/harmony. Its tannin should ensure two decades of longevity. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.

Wine Advocate

87-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

The question mark denotes the presence of elevated, astringent tannin in this wine's finish. Otherwise, it is well-made, exhibiting a deep ruby/purple color, sweet, pure, black currant fruit, medium body, and an angular mid-palate. Four to five years of cellaring may be beneficial, but this wine will have to be watched carefully in case it begins to lose its fruit.