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| | Vintage | 2003 |  Label 1 of 575 
 | | Type | Red | | Producer | Château Gruaud Larose (web) | | Variety | Red Bordeaux Blend | | Designation | n/a | | Vineyard | n/a | | Country | France | | Region | Bordeaux | | SubRegion | Médoc | | Appellation | St. Julien | | UPC Code(s) | 031259016283, 071570013721, 071570017231, 087000317550, 087000331891, 087000336810, 087000339019, 1048057009200, 3251092808952, 3258691220109, 400005945236, 400006201614, 649944051220, 999901004418 |
| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 90.6 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 295 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by suitcasewine on 1/19/2024 & rated 88 points: Old enough to no longer need a fake ID but still quite young in the grand scheme of things. Quiet and closed at first. Two hours decanted in the Josephinenhutte and now we’re chirping. Apricot jam, bakers chocolate, white pepper. Notes of Italian deli rainbow cookie. Violets, graphite, grip. Lovely claret and delicious now, though would love to check back in another decade. (1124 views) | | | Tasted by Jason Wu on 11/5/2023 & rated 93 points: Deep ruby with onion ring.
Med+intensity on the nose, violet, cranberry, red plum, red cherry, coke, dried orange peel, clove, nutmeg, kumquat, mushroom, prunes, dark chocolate, apricot, developing.
Dry, high acidity, high tannin, high alcohol, full body, med+ intensity, prunes, chocolate, meaty, toasty, still a bit oaky after 30 minutes decant, very perfume after 1 hour decant, med+ finish.
Overall, this is a very good wine. I can feel the warmness of the year with the dominant dark fruit notes coming through. The wine was a bit closed on the palate after 30 minutes decant, but opened up after 1 hour. Floral notes blended with spice, well balance. Drinking perfectly now. (1615 views) | | | Tasted by galewskj on 10/16/2023 & rated 92 points: Left bank bordeaux 2008 and older (BLVD): Drank a small glass over 2 hours. This wine is funky and young, clearly Bordeaux. This drank surprisingly well at this age, with cassis, funk, slight bacon and graphite. 92 today with lots of potential. (1909 views) | | | Tasted by rocknroller on 10/15/2023 & rated 92 points: Monthly Tasting Group: Bordeaux 2008 and Older (BLVD Kitchen & Bar, Wayzata, MN): Small taste at the end of the night. Cassis,black cherry, approachable now, like the style. (1768 views) | | | Tasted by JCGuthrie on 10/15/2023: Lots of earthy Bordeaux character, with raspberry and blackberry fruit. Somewhat rustic in structure, but tasty. Ready to enjoy now with some air. (1521 views) | | | Tasted by shawnoh on 9/9/2023 & rated 91 points: A bit over the hill. (851 views) | | | Tasted by doug374 on 6/28/2023 & rated 91 points: Tastes of dark fruits- casis, blackberry, strawberry, with notes of forest of mushroom and hay. Tannins are light but present to hold it together. Overall a sense of lightness that does not match the maturity of the wine. (1602 views) | | | Tasted by Peter Spijker on 5/19/2023 & rated 88 points: Tasted in a line-up with '98, '99 and 2003. The 1998 was the best of the lot, very classic bordeaux with black fruit, cedar, cigar, some oak and fully integrated tannins. The 1999 was quite similar in style and characteristics, and was also lovely. The 2003 was underwhelming and dull, and I don't think it will develop into something better. (1638 views) | | | Tasted by englishman's claret on 5/9/2023 & rated 92 points: Tasted at the chateau, this example of the 2003 Gruaud is a little flat on the nose but is considerably better on the palate with dark red fruit, cedar, and a warm, earthy richness. The fruit is delectable, but this finishes short and I get the sense that it's time to drink these. (3177 views) | | | Tasted by trumpet60201 on 5/7/2023 & rated 92 points: 1st of 6. 13% abv. This is pretty fruity still at this point, but it's starting to gain some tertiary complexity. The fruit is quite fresh and delicious. The finish is a bit too quick and the tannins are a hair drying and linger, but they are not harsh or overwhelming. I think this may still need time, but it is enjoyable now, especially with a decant and with some steak or other hearty food. Drink now through 2033. (1812 views) | | | Tasted by doug374 on 3/28/2023 & rated 91 points: Good color, aroma of mature and ripe fruit however a more prononced tannin than a wine of this maturity is expected to carry. (2215 views) | | | Tasted by Zweder on 11/28/2022 flawed bottle: What a pity! My last bottle. Not extremely corked, but not fresh either. No score. (3069 views) | | | Tasted by NY Wino on 11/13/2022 & rated 92 points: Drinking nicely, good fruit and spice, smooth tannins with long finish. (2202 views) | | | Tasted by galewskj on 11/13/2022 & rated 92 points: No poker night (Jason and Mariellen's house): Drank a small glass over 2 hours. This wine is funky and young, clearly Bordeaux. This drank surprisingly well at this age, with cassis, funk, slight bacon and graphite. 92 today with lots of potential. (2298 views) | | | Tasted by JCGuthrie on 11/12/2022: I had stopped taking notes at this point in the evening, but from memory this showed very similarly to my last two bottles. Unfortunately (or fortunately for me!) it was completely outclassed by a '96 Margaux opened by our host. But still a very solid, fairly old-school Bordeaux just entering the drinking window. (2148 views) | | | Tasted by WineBurrowingWombat on 11/12/2022 & rated 93 points: Wine weekend in the Twin Cities; 11/10/2022-11/12/2022 (Where the frosty air is refreshing.. kind of): N: Buoyant blue berries (slightly pulled back jolly ranchers but not candied nor sweet), gentle earth and a soft and dark underbrush note.
P: A very subtle touch of graphite, fresh and lively red fruit with an almost juicy character (almost like a fresh version of a central coast Grenache) and bright bright river minerals.
First try of this bottle and it was quite pleasant. The freshness in this is quite amazing for something with this kinda age, a very pleasant surprise. This seemed like this can still go on for 6-8+ years without losing any freshness. (2771 views) | | | Tasted by I'd Rather Be Drinking Wine on 11/12/2022 & rated 93 points: Sorry, Not Sorry! No Poker on Poker Night! (Jason's House): This a wine that consistently shows well above its price point. Along with Lynch Bages, this wine offers a great value....unfortunately, it requires a lot of age, and is thus now beyond my ability to buy on futures. However, even at current prices (approx $125), this is still a pretty good buy! Typical Gruaud Larose, with plenty of dark fruit (mostly cassis), some graphite and some earthiness, with hints of leather and tobacco. Oak is toasty and well integrated and finish is medium. This leans slightly on the fruit side of the spectrum, which works for me! This may have suffered slightly following a phenomenal 96 Margaux. Easy 93, and that may be slightly conservative. In a very good place for my palate, and has years ahead of it. (1834 views) | | | Tasted by doug374 on 11/10/2022 & rated 91 points: Enjoyable fruit and light but noticeable tannin. We enjoyed the wine but there was a slight harshness to the finish that kept us from describing this as an 'elegant" choice. (1145 views) | | | Tasted by JCGuthrie on 10/27/2022: Decanted about 60 to 90 minutes. Similar note to my last bottle. This held up well against a '14 Phelps Backus; both beautiful wines, even if they are at very different points in their evolution. I had a little left over which I saved under vacuum seal; worth noting that it did not show anywhere near as well the next day. (1398 views) | | | Tasted by Bertdecab on 10/3/2022 & rated 94 points: Beautiful.. red/ black berries, spices, very smooth, medium + body, (1562 views) | | | Tasted by cugel_saga on 9/10/2022 & rated 92 points: Liquorice and boot straps.
Tannin and acidity.
Balance and poise. (1514 views) | | | Tasted by doug374 on 7/23/2022 & rated 92 points: Good dark red with fruits of dark berries, plums and tobacco. (1793 views) | | | Tasted by doug374 on 7/23/2022 & rated 91 points: A very enjoyable full fruit wine. Light smoke and minerals with tobacco. (1706 views) | | | Tasted by Vino Me on 6/18/2022 & rated 92 points: Decanted 3 hours before drinking. Fifth time I have had this wine. Moderate to heavy sediment. Crimson color with a little bricking. Notes of charcoal, menthol, tobacco and cassis. This was the earthiest and most rustic of the lineup. Part of a small 2003 Bordeaux horizontal with the Calon Segur and Ducru Beaucaillou. Drink by 2027. 92 points. (2008 views) | | | Tasted by doug374 on 6/5/2022 & rated 90 points: A nice mouthful of fruits light tobacco, and smooth, rounded tannins. Score is held back for the absence of fireworks or distinctiveness. Happy to have with our grilled salmon and look forward to returning too. (1873 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Neal Martin
Vinous, A Century of Bordeaux: The Threes (Aug 2023) (8/1/2023)
(Gruaud Larose Gruaud Larose Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By James Lawther MW
JancisRobinson.com (3/2/2023)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (10/13/2021)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (11/25/2014)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (10/1/2010)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (5/28/2009)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (3/18/2008)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Julia Harding, MW
JancisRobinson.com (1/23/2008)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | The World of Fine Wine, December 2007, Issue #18
(Château Gruaud Larose) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Stephen Tanzer
Vinous, May/June 2006, IWC Issue #126
(Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (11/3/2005)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Chris Kissack
Winedoctor, October 2005
(Chateau Gruaud-Larose St Julien) Subscribe to see review text. | By Stephen Tanzer
Vinous, May/June 2005, IWC Issue #120
(Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (4/7/2005)
(Ch Gruaud Larose St-Julien Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Stephen Tanzer
Vinous, May/June 2004, IWC Issue #114
(Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien) Subscribe to see review text. | By Neal Martin
Vinous, Vinous Table: The Waterside Inn, Maidenhead, UK (Jul 2022)
(Gruaud Larose Gruaud Larose Red) Subscribe to see review text. |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous and JancisRobinson.com and The World of Fine Wine and Winedoctor. (manage subscription channels) |
| Château Gruaud Larose Producer website
Read more about Château Gruaud Larose -https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/bordeaux-wine-producer-profiles/bordeaux/st-julien/gruaud-larose/
A visit to Château Gruaud Larose Beychelle-St-Julien estate, winery and vineyards -https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2019/08/a-visit-to-chateau-gruaud-larose.html Red Bordeaux BlendRed Bordeaux is generally made from a blend of grapes. Permitted grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and rarely Carménère.Today Carménère is rarely used, with Château Clerc Milon, a fifth growth Bordeaux, being one of the few to still retain Carménère vines. As of July 2019, Bordeaux wineries authorized the use of four new red grapes to combat temperature increases in Bordeaux. These newly approved grapes are Marselan, Touriga Nacional, Castets, and Arinarnoa.
Wineries all over the world aspire to making wines in a Bordeaux style. In 1988, a group of American vintners formed The Meritage Association to identify wines made in this way. Although most Meritage wines come from California, there are members of the Meritage Association in 18 states and five other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Israel, and Mexico.France Vins de France (Office National Interprofessionnel des Vins ) | Pages Vins, Directory of French Winegrowers | French Wine (Wikipedia)
Wine Scholar Guild vintage ratings
2018 vintage: "marked by a wet spring, a superb summer and a good harvest"
2019 vintage reports
2021: "From a general standpoint, whether for white, rosé or red wines, 2021 is a year marked by quality in the Rhône Valley Vineyards. Structured, elegant, fresh and fruity will be the main keywords for this new vintage."
2022 harvest: idealwine.info | wine-searcher.comBordeaux Bordeaux Wine Guide
Vins Bordeaux (Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux)
History of Bordeaux
History of 1855 Bordeaux Classification
"2009 is all about ripeness, with wines impressively packed with ripe fruit and high alcohol levels. They are showy, in-your-face, and full of pleasure. The 2010s have the fruit and alcohol levels of the 2009s, but with a compelling freshness on the finish that balances the fruit and provides a perfect sense of structure." - Ben Nelson
"2016 is a landmark vintage in certain spots of Bordeaux and it should be remembered as one of the most inspired campaigns of the last 40-50+ years." -Jon Rimmerman
"The quality of red Bordeaux in 2016 was universally lauded – although the response to the en primeur campaign was muted. Quantity was high too, with the equivalent of 770 million bottles of wine produced. An exceptionally dry summer with cool nights eventually, thanks to mid September rain, resulted in small, thick-skinned, ripe grapes, and the wines are marked by high tannin and acidity, with superb aromatic fragrance." - Jancis Robinson
"2017 was complicated, but there are some excellent wines. Expect plenty of freshness and drinkability from wines that will offer excellent value, and others that will rival 2016 in terms of ripeness and ageability. But they are likely to be the exception not the rule, making careful selection key." - Jane Anson
"In the past, a vintage such as 2022 may have been overripe, raisined and low in acidity but 2022 had a sneaky little reservoir in its back pocket - a near perfect marriage of cool/cold/rain the previous winter and the previous vintage that literally soaked the soils (a key to why 2022 is not 2003...or 1893)." - Jon RimmermanMédoc Vins du Médoc (Conseil des Vins du Médoc) - Read More about the Medoc
VdB
The eight precisely defined appellations of the whole of the Médoc (from Blanquefort Brook to the north of the Bordeaux built-up area, almost to the Pointe de Grave) may claim the Médoc appellation. But there is also a specific territory in the north of the peninsula which produces exclusively wines with this appellation. In the great majority, the Médocs come from the north of the peninsula. The great individuality of this region is that the number of vines has increased more recently here than elsewhere, apart from a few isolated spots where vines have grown for many years. Today, the size of the small estate has brought about the development of a powerful co-operative movement. Four co-operatives out of five belong to the group called Unimédoc which ensures aging, bottling and marketing a large proportion of their wines.St. Julien VdB
Read more detailed information on St. Julien and its wines The seventeenth century pioneers Traces are to be found of a Saint-Julien de Rintrac, perhaps Saint-Julien's earliest name, as from the thirteenth century. But we have to wait until the seventeenth century pioneers, urban and rural aristocrats, discover the exceptional merits of these terroirs.
Traces of this system still exist today in the structure of estates within the appellation: by the side of the two villages of Beychevelle and Saint-Julien, the large estates are heavily preponderant, representing more than four fifths of the total surface of vineyards.
The terrain is practically identical over all the commune. Only the proximity of the estuary, sometimes close, sometimes further away, can cause slight variations in climate. In fact, Saint-Julien-Beychevelle's layer of gravel takes the form of a huge rectangle over 3 miles long and 2 miles wide. And the alluvial deposits are particularly well fragmented into ridges of Garonne gravel of the early Quaternary. Accordingly, the vines are safeguarded from stagnant water.
The wines from the Saint-Julien appellation may be recognized by their unparalleled bouquet, particularly harmonious and mild. They have a fine deep colour and combine the finesse of their aromas and a solid constitution. They have body, are very rich in flavour and have a delicious and delicate bouquet.
Production conditions (Decree dated November 14, 1936)
In order to have the right to the Saint-Julien appellation of controlled origin, red wines must:
- come from the commune of Saint-Julien and from precisely defined parcels in the communes of Cussac, and Saint-Laurent, "excluding the parcels situated on recent alluvium and sand on impermeable subsoils",
- satisfy precise production conditions: grape-varieties (Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet-Franc, Carmenère, Merlot Noir, Petit Verdot, Cot or Malbec), minimum of sugar (178 grammes - 6.27 oz. - per litre of must) degree (an acquired 10°5) base yield (45 hectolitres per hectare). |
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