Château Gruaud-Larose is a 2ème Cru Classé property that produces one of St-Julien’s most full-bodied and long-lived wines.

For many years Gruaud-Larose was owned by the négociants Cordier, who also own Château Talbot. It was sold in 1993 to the French conglomerate, Alcastel Alstom, which in turn sold it to the Taillan Group, owners of Chasse-Spleen and Haut-Bages-Libéral, in 1997. The talented Georges Pauli has remained as régisseur and winemaker throughout all these changes.

From a rich history, the estate has been undergoing a renaissance since the 1990s with technological improvements, and the new ownership in 1997 focused on quality and environment.

Sarget is the 2nd wine from Chateau Gruaud Larose

Vines – Average 30 years old

Blend – 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc

Winemaking – Produced since 1979, Sarget undergoes the same attention as the Grand Vin. Manual harvests, it is aged for 14 months in French oak barrels – 15% new

Really pure, with a delightful mix of plum, cassis and black cherry. Long on the finish, with sanguine and tar notes mixed together, staying fresh. A very solid second wine.

Gruaud-Larose can be tannic and ungainly in youth but with bottle ageing it becomes marvellously harmonious and develops complex and beguiling characteristics of concentrated black fruits, cedar, spices and liquorice.

James Suckling – 90-91 points

Very attractive ripe and clean fruit here. Full body with compacted fruits and silky tannins. Second wine of Gruaud-Larose.