Gruaud Larose 2007

The 2007 Gruaud Larose has a soft and slightly muffled bouquet, perhaps just with a touch of brettanomyces that shaves away some of the delineation. After time, there are scents of clove and scorched earth. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, modest dark berry fruit laced with cold tea and white pepper, yet it pulls up rather short on the finish and leaves you wanting more. Tasted February 2017.
Drink Date 2017 - 2027

Herbaceous, meaty, sweaty saddle leather notes along with plum and black currant fruit are present in this mid-weight St.-Julien. There are also some raspy tannins in the finish. Drink it earlier rather than later because of the potential for it to dry out.

Soft and round, with lovely texture. Medium- to full-bodied, with berry, currant and chocolate flavors and a long, caressing finish. Delicious already.

Dark crimson. Serious nose (Julia found the meatiness almost brett-y) and quite gentle black fruits on the palate. Pretty dry finish after rather a sweet start. A fruity core. Drink 2012-16

(a blend of 71% cabernet sauvignon, 21% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 2% cabernet franc) Bright ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of camphor, herbs and flowers, with hints of leather and smoke but less of the animal character of past vintages. Moderately dense, plump berry and spice flavors are accompanied by some minerality and a rather cool minty, peppery element that gives the back end a slight tightness. Not particularly complex or sweet today but finishes with good persistence and supple tannins. This year's grand vin reflects a relatively strict 36% selection.

Good solid colour, quite fleshy and spicy fruit, good length and good expression, but lacks a bit of complexity and depth. Drink 2012-17. 4 stars.