Gruaud Larose 1989

The 1989 was excellent, nearly outstanding. The herbal side of Gruaud-Larose was more noticeable, but the wine revealed a deep ruby/purple color (but not the opaqueness of the 1990), more obvious tannin, without the mid-palate and sweet inner core of fruit exhibited by the 1990. It is a big, tannic, spicy wine, with plently of potential but not the sweetness and chewy texture of the 1990. The 1989 needs some time to shed its cloak of tannin; give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 20+ years. Last tasted, 11/96.

Tasted at The Ledbury Gruaud Larose lunch, the 1989 was one of the standout wines of the tasting. It displays wonderful definition on the nose, more clarity than the 1990 alongside, with hints of sandalwood, Provencal herbs, white fennel and a touch of mint. The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, demonstrating a tad more composure than the 1990 with good weight on the linear finish. I like the control here, the sense of finesse. Drinking perfectly now.