Castle Gruaud Larose - Saint-Julien 1990

Wine Spectator

89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/28/2005

Jammy nose, with hints of beetroot. Round and juicy, with velvety tannins. Nice wine. But slighlty unexciting. '89/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Drink now. 32,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

93 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1997

In many cases, the results of my blind tastings confirmed how much I underrated several 1990s. One wine I unquestionably short-changed is the 1990 Gruaud Larose. Over the last few years I had rated the wine 90 points several times, but more often Gruaud fell comfortably in the 88-89 point category. Gruaud-Larose was superb at the most recent tasting. Moreover, this might be a 1990 that is still affordable. The wine exhibits a thick-looking, plum/purple/garnet-like color. A sensational nose of jammy black-cherries, earth, cedar, and herbs has become far more intense and striking. The wine displays sensational richness and power, but not quite the burly, monstrous size and hulking weight of the 1986 or 1982. Yet it reveals impressive stuffing and power. The low acidity emphasizes the thick, juicy, succulent fruit in this backward yet rich, chewy wine. This was the finest showing yet for the 1990 Gruaud Larose. Anticipated maturity: 1999-2020.

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/31/1993

Although the 1990's nose is still closed, it does offer woodsy, herb, and black fruit aromas. There is power, a structured, medium to full-bodied taste profile, and fine stuffing and depth. Nevertheless, I cannot help but wonder if Gruaud-Larose is intentionally producing less of a blockbuster style. I hope not. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2015. Last tasted, 5/93.

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/1992

Although the nose is still closed, it does offer woodsy, herb, and black fruit aromas. In the mouth, there is power, a structured, medium to full-bodied taste profile, and more stuffing and depth than the 1989 possessed. Nevertheless, I cannot help but wonder if Gruaud-Larose is intentionally producing less of a blockbuster style? Anticipated maturity: 1997-2015.