Chateau Gruaud Larose - Saint-Julien 1988

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/1/2009

This 1988 has an attractive nose, certainly not as austere as other Saint Julien wines from the vintage, with aromas of leather, dried blood, sloe and fig. It does not quite have the delineation of a truly great ’88. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced with good acidity, very supple on the entry with wild strawberry and raspberry fruit inflected with a little tobacco leading to a very natural and elegant second half. A very graceful, classic Gruaud Larose that is drinking damn perfectly now. Very fine. Drink now-2018. Tasted September 2008.

Wine Spectator

92 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe11/30/1998

This tight and powerful red has lots of tannin and fruit concentration. Full-bodied, with lovely violet and berry aromas and flavors. Built for aging.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2002_

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/31/1993

The 1988 is probably a 30-year wine. Extremely hard and backward, but concentrated, long, and full-bodied, it reminded me of the 1975, only less savage. Let's hope the fruit holds up. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025. Last tasted, 5/93.

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1993

The 1988 Gruaud-Larose is probably a 30 year wine. Surprisingly powerful, rich, concentrated, long, and full-bodied for a 1988, and reminiscent of the 1975, only less savage, it appears to be a more complete wine than either the 1989 or 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025.