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Château Gruaud-Larose, one of the most revered names in Bordeaux, has earned its place as a Second Growth (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, a distinction that only 14 estates can claim. This prestigious estate, located in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, has been producing wines that perfectly capture the elegance and power of Bordeaux for centuries. But in recent years, Gruaud-Larose has undergone a dramatic transformation, taking its wine quality to new heights.

The 92-hectare vineyard, situated on the prime gravel plateau of Saint-Julien, has been carefully restructured, ensuring that each variety thrives in its ideal location. With 50% of the vines replanted and an ongoing organic conversion, Gruaud-Larose is embracing sustainability while focusing on quality. The vineyards now benefit from better soil management, wildlife corridors, and even agroforestry with 3,000 trees planted—an investment in the future that’s paying off in spades.

The 2019 vintage is a testament to this rebirth. With meticulous sorting of the fruit and a gentle yet prolonged maceration process, the wine exudes intensity and elegance in equal measure. Critics have awarded it 96 points, hailing it as a modern Bordeaux classic that combines depth, refinement, and an exceptional aging potential. Gruaud-Larose is no longer just a name in Bordeaux; it's a wine that promises to stand the test of time, delivering an extraordinary experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike. This is a wine you’ll want in your cellar now, as it’s only going to get better with age. 

The 2019 vintage for the left bank received 97 points by Vinous Media, claiming: "so many wines are exceptional to profound" and "quality is superb". 

Aging: 80% new French oak barrels for 18 to 24 months.

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Ultra sleek and suave on the palate but at the same time racy and vibrant. A combination of rich black fruits and quite savoury aspects on the palate, tar, tobacco and wood smoke with black currants and cherries.

The 2019 Gruaud-Larose has a cohesive, very harmonious bouquet with crushed stone and tobacco infusing the black fruit; cedar scents surfacing with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent entry, sweeter than expected but not cloying, liquorice and touches of black pepper furnishing the long and quite decadent finish. One for the long haul. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. ~96 Neal Martin, Vinous Media

A gorgeous dark purple colour in the glass with a bright pink rim. It is a little reticent on the nose, just giving a hint of fragranced fruit with dark chocolate, caramel and sweet coffee touches - so inviting. Ultra sleek and suave on the palate but at the same time racy and vibrant. A combination of rich black fruits and quite savoury aspects on the palate, tar, tobacco and wood smoke with black currants and cherries but here the emphasis really is on those herbal, medicinal aspects that give this such a serious tone but also such interest and intrigue. Lifted and bright on the palate but soft tannins letting the aromatics do all the talking. Seductive. Will be incredibly moreish in a few years. ~96 Decanter

The 2019 Gruaud Larose is performing extremely well in bottle, wafting from the glass with aromas of wild berries and plums mingled with notions of licorice, potpourri, pencil shavings and subtle soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and seamless, with powdery tannins and succulent acids, it's remarkably suave and refined for a wine of obvious breadth, concentration and power. ~95+ Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

Attractive aromas of ripe dark and blue fruit, vanilla, dark chocolate, hazelnuts and wet soil. Dense and compact with layers of polished tannins that hold long and even on the palate. Firm finish with notes of chocolate and crushed stones. Pretty finish. Try after 2026. ~94 James Suckling

I wasn't able to taste the 2019 Château Gruaud Larose from barrel, but it's certainly an impressive Saint-Julien in bottle. Deep purple, with beautiful cassis and darker raspberry fruits as well as spice, dried flowers, and cedary incense notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness carrying plenty of sweet tannins, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, and beautiful length. It's not the dense blockbuster style of the 2018 and is much more elegant and pretty, with plenty of up-front charm. It's beautifully done. It's going to benefit from just short-term bottle age and have 25+ years of prime drinking. ~94 Jeb Dunnuck

Earthy, smoky, fresh, and minty with notes of tobacco leaf, cedar, and currants with blackberries on the nose. The wine is fresh, bright and crunchy with a nice bite of cassis and cranberry in the dusty finish. Drink from 2026-2047. ~93 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

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