Gruaud Larose - Saint-Julien 2008

Vinous

89

byNeal Martinthe4/2/2024

The 2008 Gruaud Larose has a nose similar to the previous bottle, with tobacco and bay leaf mixed with cedar scents, as I mentioned before, almost Saint-Estèphe in character. The palate is medium-bodied with firmer, more rigid tannins than before, though well balanced with a dash of white pepper. There’s just a bit more grip than previous bottles have demonstrated. This Gruaud Larose is drinking perfectly now. In many ways, it's a classic claret, but I am not convinced it will repay continued cellaring. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023.

The Wine Independent

90

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe1/9/2024

Wine Advocate

90

byRobert Parkerthe5/31/2011

While the 2008 is not a blockbuster, it is a strong effort for the vintage. This dark plum/purple-hued wine reveals some background oak, licorice, earth, plum, black currant and cherry notes intertwined with a foresty/mossy component. Deep, polished and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin, it builds incrementally on the palate. This impressive 2008 will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for two decades. Drink 2013-2033

Jamessuckling.com

90

byJames Sucklingthe12/20/2010

A delicate and refined red, with blueberry, spices and meat aromas. Medium body, with fine tannins and a earty finish. Almost Burgundian in style. Try after 2012.

Falstaff

87-89

byPeter Moserthe6/30/2009

Kräftiges Rubingranat, jugendliche Reflexe, violetter Rand. In der Nase verhalten tabakig unterlegtes Brombeerkonfit, reife dunkle Beerenfrucht, zarte Karamellnoten. Am gaumen süß und rund, sehr charmant, gut integrierte Tannine, bleibt gut haften, angenehme Schokonote im Nachhall, feine Röstaromen im Rückgeschmack.