Gruaud-Larose St-Julien 2009 1.5L

98 points (19/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "Very Saint-Julien in spirit, the 2009 is also of a refinement rarely seen at Gruaud Larose. The texture is wonderfully fine, without lacking volume on the palate. (2014)"

97 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot). A beautiful example of the estate and the vintage, you can dive right in to the depth of cassis and bilberry fruits, studded with tobacco leaf, charcoal, crushed rocks, cocoa powder and juicy raspberries. Delivers appellation typicity and then some, stretches out through the palate, excellent quality. It's not the power so much as the perfect placing, everything working together to deliver a delicious drinking claret - and it's one where I would recommend the 2009 over the 2010, at least for the next decade. Eric Boissenot consultant, 50% new oak. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2024-2048. (9/16/24)"

95 points Robert Parker: "As I wrote in my barrel tasting note, the 2009 appears to be the finest Gruaud Larose since their 1990. Some of my concerns about too much brett in previous vintages are long gone as the purity of the 2009 jumps out. Copious notes of sagebrush, cedar, cigar box, licorice, incense, blackberries and lead pencil shavings suggest a big Pauillac rather than a St.-Julien. Broad, rich and full-bodied with good balance and abundant, but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this big, masculine Gruaud Larose reveals remarkable finesse, richness, extract, density and a cascade of fruit that nearly hides the lofty tannins. This beauty should be at its best between 2020-2045. (Dec 2011)"

95 points James Suckling: "I like the aromas of sliced mushroom, berries and wet earth, that follow through to a full body, with super silky tannins and a chewy finish. A fit, yet polished wine here. Try after 2020. (3/2/12)"

95 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2009 Gruaud Larose has a fresh, backward, tightly coiled bouquet with ample blackberry and bilberry fruit, fine tension and focus, a nose that is intending to last the distance (and why not?) The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, fresh and vibrant, laced-like tannin with a wonderfully detailed and persistent finish. This is some quality winemaking here and it is a wonderful 2009 Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Drink: 2021-2045. (Mar 2019)"

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Deep garnet-colored with a touch of brick, the 2009 Gruaud Larose comes galloping out with ready-to-go scents of stewed black plums, blackcurrant jelly, and rose oil followed by suggestions of sandalwood, cast-iron pan, and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is drinking deliciously right now, delivering firm, velvety tannins and just enough freshness to the generous fruit, finishing long and perfumed. Alcohol 13.37%. Drink: 2024-2045. (1/9/24)"

95 points Tim Atkin, MW (2011).

94+ points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Dark ruby-red. Intense aromas of red cherry, cassis, aromatic herbs and cedar. Rich, dense and suave, with concentrated flavors of dark berries, cedar and quinine complicated by smoky and peppery nuances. Finishes very long and smooth, with a highly tactile quality to the cedar and cassis flavors. This Gruaud stands out for its purity, as it seems free of the earthy and gamey nuances that have been present in many past vintages. In fact, this impressive wine strikes me as the best young Gruaud-Larose in recent memory. (Jul 2012)"

94 points Decanter: "Smoky grilled oak on the nose is joined by some tarry hints. The palate is structured and ambitious, and will take a good few more years to come around. I would go for Branaire or Lagrange as my picks of classified St-Juliens to open soon, but this is an extremely good quality wine that is going to age very well. Drink: 2019-2036. (Feb 2019)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Initially wood dominates, but this is a stage after bottling. Because then the ripe, smooth fruit comes in, pouring through with black fruits, very ripe and juicy. As this wine develops, this rich fruit will be its main character. (Feb 2012)"