Grape Variety: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot

Growing Region: Saint Julian, Bordeaux

Consultant Winemaker: Georges Pauli

TASTING NOTE:
Chateau Gruaud-Larose is situated in Saint Julien - which is squeezed between Pauillac to the north and Margaux to the south in the Haut-Medoc district of Bordeaux.

Sarget de Gruaud-Larose, the 'second wine', is a stunning effort and fantastic value. Made from the youngest vines, it reveals a very fragrant nose, a rich balanced mid-palate and a seamless finish. I have tasted it quite a few times - first at the Chateau 4 years ago and in different tastings since and each time seduced by its harmonious and earthy yet smooth texture and it certainly doesn't lack any depth or intensity.

Chateau Gruaud Larose is consistently one of the best Saint-Julien wines from one vintage to the next, and its young son has shown a similar evenness since its introduction in 1979.

The nose is exotic, floral and aromatic, with cassis and hints of preserved plums and herbs. The high Merlot proportion (33%), which was so rich this vintage, gives the wine an extra roundness in 2005, while the finish is very pure, velvety and a long fruit and toasted oak finish. Remaining true to its St Julien terroir this is a very good wine indeed. Decant for 20mins, Serve at 18C.

CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking perfectly well this season; and over the next 5-7 years.

SUGGESTED FOOD MATCHES:
Perfect wine match with richly flavoured meats, truffle or wine jus and roasted vegetables, enjoy.

88 pts - Wine Spectator, 2006. *Limited