2008 Chateau Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien

Colour: Red

Vintage: 2008

Region: Bordeaux, Saint-Julien

% Alcohol: 13

A 2nd growth Saint-Julien château, Gruaud Larose produces some of the Médoc’s finest wines and its worth remains undisputed among the winemakers and critics of today. With over 80 hectares, it is a plot that has remained under vine since the beginning of the château’s existence – and many of the current vines in use stretch back to almost a hundred years. Recent investment has been significant as the estate’s owners look to return the wines to their former glory and the evidence thus far, from the 2015 vintage onwards, suggests it is very much paying off. As such, this château deserves to be held in the highest esteem.

Tasting Notes and Scores

90 NM

Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Gruaud Larose 2008 has an austere, earthy, almost Saint Estephe like bouquet (consistent with previous bottles) with fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied with sharp tannins and a little pinched at present. Fresh, almost tart in the mouth, although compared to its peers I feel that it cuts away abruptly on the finish. Still, this is pleasingly elegant and refined although it does not have the substance of the ensuing two vintages. Tasted January 2012.

– eRobertParker.com, Mar 2012

Neal Martin

90 RMPJ

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.

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Wine Advocate

2011-05-02

89 ST

Good medium red. Plum, redcurrant, tobacco and a whiff of camphor on the nose, with a faint green quality building with air. Lush and supple, showing the slightly horsey, leathery quality typical of this property's wine. Nicely light on its feet, though. Finishes slightly dry, with a fine dusting of tannins.

Stephen Tanzer

Vinous

2011-07-01

17 RH

Fairly prominent oak influence on the nose, with a eucalyptus and herb character on the palate. Juicy plum fruit and a touch of soy-sauce umami character on the finish. (RH)

Richard Hemming MW

Jancis Robinson

2018-02-01

16.5 JR

57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc. Brick hue. Relatively reserved on the nose with just a hint of leafy, dark fruit. Palate round and juicy with a stony, mineral edge. Not massive structure but the tannins are more polished and refined. Altogether, a bit more precision and appeal. (JL)

Jancis Robinson

2023-03-02

2008 Chateau Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien