Château Gruaud Larose - Saint-Julien 2017 6b11bd6ba9341f0271941e7df664d056

Wine Advocate

92-94 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/29/2019

A barrel sample made up of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Gruaud Larose offers a lifted nose of violets and kirsch over a core of cassis, baked plums and black raspberries with hints of cigar box, menthol and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, elegant and very finely structured with ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it has loads of vibrant red and black fruits with a mineral-laced finish.

Le Point

16,5-17 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe6/20/2018

Nez discret, fruits noirs, cerise noire, boisé blond, bonne sensation de fraîcheur, 85?% de barriques neuves mais on ne sent pas le bois, tanins denses, satinés, bien enrobés.

Jeb DUNNUCK

90-92 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe6/12/2018

Rocking notes of spice box, forest floor, cedary herbs, and ample red and black fruits emerge from the 2017 Château Gruaud Larose. With medium-bodied richness, nicely integrated acidity, and moderate tannin, it’s a classic, balanced, impeccably made wine from this terrific Saint-Julien estate.

Vinifera

94 / 100

byJacques Perrinthe5/28/2018

Nez intense et riche en fruit, qui précède une bouche pleine, juteuse et fraîche, bâtie sur des tanins magnifiques de finesse, vin très racé, long, de grand plaisir mais sans simplisme aucun. Remarquable.

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/15/2018

The 2017 Gruaud Larose is pliant, deep and quite expressive, while staying light on its feet. In 2017, Gruaud is a wine of precision and nuance rather than volume. There is lovely persistence and nuance in the glass. Even so, I can't help thinking there is quite a bit of unrealized potential here. All of the wine was fermented in oak vats, with slightly higher than normal temperatures for the Cabernets.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/11/2018

With a shot of espresso, you'll find tobacco, forest leaf, bright cassis and crunchy tannins. The wine is medium bodied with a strong leaning toward the fresh side of the red fruit range. Give it a few years to compose itself and it will come together.

Vinous

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/1/2018

The 2017 Gruaud Larose was picked from 15 to 20 September for the Merlot and from 21 to 3 October for the Cabernets, fermented in wood and cement tanks and aged in French oak, 80% new for 18 to 24 months. It comes in with 12.88° alcohol. Quite deep in colour, it has an introverted bouquet at first that demands a lot of coaxing from the glass. There are notes of black cherry, iodine and just a touch of pencil lead. The palate is medium-bodied with finely balanced. An unpretentious but pretty Gruaud Larose that is benefitted by what is clearly a prudent extraction. The oak is neatly integrated with a linear, almost pastille-like finish and quite a sustained aftertaste.

Decanter.com

91 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/25/2018

This is a firm, well-placed cassis and redcurrant expression, ripe enough to highlight some of the best qualities of a classic St-Julien vintage, but not quite hitting its stride. Still, it has a lovely floral character and a fine tannic structure. An attractive, carefully expressed Gruaud Larose with lots to enjoy.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2038

WeinWisser

18 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/25/2018

Purpurgranat mit satter Mitte und lita Schimmer. Komplexes Bouquet mit Anklângen an Alpenheidel-beeren und duftigem Cassis. lm zweiten Ansatz Lakritze und abgebrochene Blei-stiftmine. Am Gaumen mit seidigem Tannin, reifem Extrakt und engmaschigen Muskeln besetzt, alles mit sehr viel Finesse verpackt. lm gebündelten Finale mit herrlichem, frischen blaubeerigem Rückaroma gepaart mit edler Mineralik und zarter Adstringenz. Für Liebhaber, die Eleganz suchen, eine sichere Kaufem-pfehlung aus St.-Julien! Der wird noch zulegen.
18+/20 2027 - 2052

Wine Enthusiast

92-94 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/17/2018

This wine is firmly structured, dwelling on wood and extraction at this stage. There is enough weight to this concentrated wine that the fruit should develop, even if slowly. Drink from 2024.

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/6/2018

A firm and silky young red with an attractive center palate of fruit and hints of cedar. Fresh, tight and compacted.

Wine Spectator

91-94 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/4/2018

Well-built, with plum and blackberry fruit that is very fresh, thanks to bright acidity. Light floral, anise and graphite notes add range. A savory streak keeps the finish going.—J.M.