Gruaud Larose 2000

A very strong effort for Gruaud Larose, possibly eclipsed by what they have done in 2009, this is a pure, full-bodied Gruaud Larose with plenty of new saddle leather, cedar wood, black currants, cherries, licorice, and Provencal herbs. Spicy, earthy, full-bodied, and rich, it has hit its plateau of full maturity, where it should stay for another 20 or more years.

Fully mature (yet I'd say in the early stages of its drink window), the 2000 Château Gruaud Larose offers a ripe, powerful, medium to full-bodied style as well as lots of currant and darker fruits followed by cedarwood, tobacco, iron, and assorted meaty, spicy nuances. It's a rich, almost chunky effort with a great mid-palate, still present yet ripe tannins, and a great finish. It lacks some of the purity and precision of today's wines yet is a satisfying, rich, impressively textured Saint-Julien to drink over the coming 15-20 years. 2021-2041

The 2000 Château Gruaud-Larose is another very good example of the vintage. The wine offers up a bright and deep bouquet of cassis, dark soil tones, cigar smoke, a touch of tariness and a fine framing of nutty new oak. On the palate the wine is focused, full-bodied and rock solid at the sappy core, with good soil undertow, ripe tannins and fine balance on the long and nascently complex finish. I tasted this side by side with the 2000 Ducru-Beaucaillou and both wines were excellent, but it was further proof that Ducru should be a First Growth. (Drink between 2035-2100)

The finest effort from this estate since 1990, Gruaud-Larose has turned out a less animalistic, opaque purple-colored classic displaying notes of smoke, ripe black currants, minerals, earth, pepper, and barbecue spices. The wine has a firm tannic underpinning, full body, and a thick, rich style with noticeable creamy new oak. This is a true vin de garde that will require considerable patience given its structure and tannin levels. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2035.