Château Gruaud Larose - Saint-Julien 1995

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

Revealing more grip and tannin since bottling, the 1995 Gruaud-Larose exhibits a dark ruby color, and a nose of sweet black cherries, licorice, earth, and spice. Rich, with medium to full body, high tannin, and subtle oak in the background, the 1995 is nearly as structured and tannic as the 1996. The two vintages are more similar than dissimilar. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. Gruaud-Larose was purchased in 1997 by Jacques Merlaut, the well-known proprietor of many other chateaux, including Chasse-Spleen. Merlaut was not responsible for making the 1996 or 1995, but is responsible for their elevage and bottling.

Wine Spectator

88 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/1998

Harmonious, but lacks a bit of concentration. Pretty, with delicious chocolate and berry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Best after 1998.

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe1/1/1998

A dense garnet/ruby/purple color is followed by a wine with a sweet, jammy, black cherry, Asian spice, soy, and earthy-scented nose. This big, beefy, medium to full-bodied 1995 Gruaud-Larose displays excellent ripeness, plenty of muscle and glycerin, and sweet yet noticeable tannin in the heady, intensely spicy finish. This is a mid-weight, substantial wine that needs 6-7 years to shed its tannin; it should keep for two decades. Last tasted 1/97

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1997

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1996

The 1995 exhibits an impressive deep ruby/purple color, a sweet, chocolatey, over-ripe, black-cherry and truffle-like nose, medium body, fine ripeness, excellent concentration, and a sweet, chewy mid-section. It is a major improvement over the uninspiring 1994. The 1995 should turn out to be an approachable, surprisingly forward and flattering style of Gruaud-Larose (there is a new owner) that can be drunk young or cellared for 12-15 years.