Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien 1988 750ml

$197.94/bottle

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Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien 1988 750ml

Name: Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien 1988 750ml
Brand: Chateau Gruaud Larose
SKU: 990869
Price: 197.94 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 92 (4 reviews)

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SKU 990869

$197.94/bottle

Availability: This item is available for online ordering only. It can be picked up or shipped from our location within 4-6 business days. See FAQ for more.

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DC 94pts

WS 92pts

TWI 92pts

VM 90pts

See professional reviews

A lovely wine that’s medium-bodied, well balanced and effortlessly drinkable. It’s less exuberant and concentrated than the 1986, showing instead plenty of eucalyptus, blackberry and earthy notes, shot through with cold ash. Fermented with indigenous yeasts (as was typical everywhere at the time) and aged in one-third new oak. Harvest ran from 3 to 19 October. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Drinking Window 2019 – 2038.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation: Saint Julien

Size: 750ml
Color: Red
Alcohol by Vol: 12.5%

More Vintages:

SKU: 990869 Category: Left Bank Bordeaux

More about this item

Winery

Chateau Gruaud Larose

Shop all from Chateau Gruaud Larose

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

There are few regions in the world with stricter regulations in regards to wine production and grape varietals than those found in Bordeaux, France. Here, in the home of the world's finest wines, the type and quality of grapes used is of utmost importance, and the legendary wineries which work on the banks of the Gironde river have mastered the careful art of juice blending to find the perfect balance for their produce. Whilst there are six 'official' Bordeaux grapes, the two key varietals for almost every fine Bordeaux wine are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and with good reason. Whilst Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are renowned for their acidity and astringency, strong fruit and spice flavors and full body, Merlot grapes are notably rounded, soft, fleshy and lighter on tannin. The combination of these two varietals, along with a small percentage of (commonly) Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc, is the perfect balancing act â€“ the two grape varietals cancel out each others weaker points, and accentuate all that is good about the other.

Country

France

France, often regarded as the heart of the wine world, boasts a rich history, diverse terroirs, and a captivating variety of grape varietals. From the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France offers a wine lover’s dream journey. Whether you’re new to the world of wine or a seasoned enthusiast looking […]

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Region

Bordeaux

Bordeaux: The Pinnacle of Terroir Expression In the illustrious realm of wine, Bordeaux stands as a beacon of excellence, where history, tradition, and terroir converge to create some of the world’s most iconic wines. Bordeaux’s rich mosaic of vineyards is characterized by the left bank, right bank, and the sweet symphony of Sauternes. Each of […]

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Appellation

Saint Julien

Saint-Julien, a revered appellation in Bordeaux's Left Bank, epitomizes the finesse and elegance of red Bordeaux wines. Nestled between Pauillac and Margaux, Saint-Julien boasts a remarkable concentration of classified growths, showcasing wines that marry power with refinement. What makes Saint-Julien unique is its well-balanced terroir—gravelly soils, proximity to the Gironde estuary, and a temperate maritime climate. These factors nurture the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, resulting in wines celebrated for their structured tannins, expressive aromatics, and age-worthiness. Saint-Julien's notable châteaux, such as Léoville-Las Cases and Ducru-Beaucaillou, exemplify the region's commitment to quality. The wines exhibit a harmonious blend of dark fruits, cedar, and subtle minerality. Exploring Saint-Julien unveils the essence of Bordeaux winemaking, where tradition and innovation converge to produce wines of timeless allure and sophistication.

Ratings & Reviews

DC 94pts

Decanter

A lovely wine that's medium-bodied, well balanced and effortlessly drinkable. It's less exuberant and concentrated than the 1986, showing instead plenty of eucalyptus, blackberry and earthy notes, shot through with cold ash. Fermented with indigenous yeasts (as was typical everywhere at the time) and aged in one-third new oak. Harvest ran from 3 to 19 October. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Drinking Window 2019 - 2038.

WS 92pts

Wine Spectator

This tight and powerful red has lots of tannin and fruit concentration. Full-bodied, with lovely violet and berry aromas and flavors. Built for aging.--1988 Bordeaux horizontal. 32,000 cases made.

TWI 92pts

The Wine Independent

A pleasing, deep brick hue. Right after opening, the wine briefly suggested cork, driven by a powerful damp-cellar aroma. Yet after about 30 minutes, everything snapped into place: the palate was rebalanced and revealed a classic, old-school Bordeaux register of cassis, cigar tobacco, autumn leaves and leather. All the while dried fruits and a mix of spices hovered in the background. The cellar note disappeared entirely, and the finish grew longer, more concentrated and satisfying.

VM 90pts

Vinous Media

The 1988 Gruaud Larose seems to have lost some of its fruit concentration since I last tasted it in 2011. At 30-years of age it has moderate wide bricking on the rim though the core remains quite deep in colour. The bouquet is fully mature with scents of sage, liquorish and allspice permeating the dark berry fruit; fleeting glimpses of black tea and bay leaf surfacing with continued aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a tang of soy and marmalade on the entry. It is nicely balanced; a little rustic in style yet displays admirable depth and more freshness than some of its peers on the Left Bank. There is just that residual tobacco note lingering on the finish. If you like old school, traditional Saint Julien then this will suit you down to the ground. Tasted at the château.

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DC 97pts

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DC 97pts

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DC 96pts

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Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien 2019 750ml
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TWI 95pts

WE 94pts

Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien 2005 750ml
The 2005 Gruaud Larose is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. It needs a moment of swirling to bring out…

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WS 94pts

TWI 93pts

Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien 1989 750ml
Delivers fabulous aromas of crushed red fruits, with leather, tar, tobacco and mint. Full-bodied, offering supersoft and silky tannins, as…

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WS 90pts

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Chateau Gruaud Larose Saint Julien 1988 750ml

More Vintages:

Winery

Chateau Gruaud Larose

Varietal

Red Bordeaux

Country

France

Region

Bordeaux

Appellation

Saint Julien

Decanter

Wine Spectator

The Wine Independent

Vinous Media

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