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. Quite deep in colour, it has an introverted bouquet at first that demands a lot of coaxing from the glass.
Tasting notes:
Deep, dark, opaque black-purple in color. Aromas of cassis fruit & cedary oak have licorice overtones. The palate is closed at first and understated, opening to reveal a core of tary, bitter-licorice fruit. Very fine tannins overlay a graphite element on the licorice flavors. Warming alcohol is balanced. Juicy black-fruit on the finish is balanced by a slightly drying tannic note at the end
