2004 Ch. Gruaud Larose, St Julien

Fantastic! Jean Merlaut's ownership since 1997 has seen these wines get better and better, culminating in this tour de force. Smoky ripe blackcurrants and sexy integrated sweet oak on the enticing nose is followed by a dense but pure palate with full-bodied fruit and a defined linear core. It is elegant and sophisticated with great charm-one of the great value wines of the 2004 vintage.

"Intriguing, complex nose with layers of black and red fruit and toasted oak, tobacco, spice and alluring minerals. Beautifully textured with an airy lift and vitality."
(Decanter-Dec 2007- Wines of the Year- 4 stars)