2008 Ch. Gruaud-Larose, St. Julien

David Launay, General Manager of Gruaud-Larose, felt that the ripeness of 2008 lended itself particularly to Merlot and altered the proportions of his 2008 accordingly: 54% Cabernet, 34% Merlot and 12% Petit Verdot. The concentrated, sweet ripe red fruit of the Merlot certainly comes across in this lean but dense wine. With the hallmark Gruaud notes of cedar and spice, this will be approachable earlier than some but would nonetheless be a rewarding buy for any cellar. 

While it is not the 2000 or 1990, the 2008 is the finest Gruaud Larose I have tasted in eight years. Not a blockbuster, it is more beefy and dense than other recent vintages, revealing notes of pine forest, smoke, herbs, licorice, black currants, and cedar. With high but ripe tannins, medium to full body, and a strong finish, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 20 years thereafter.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Apr-2009)

Mid crimson with a pale rim. Very sweet for a St-Julien. Almost right bank ripeness. Sweet start. Not as classical as most St-Juliens. More forward and winning! Attractive drink for the medium term. Hint of chocolate even. Medium charge of tannins. Polished silky texture. Very beguiling.
(Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com - Apr 09)

Plummy and perfumed, with sweet spices and currants. Lovely subtle nose. Full- to medium-bodied, with fine tannins and lovely balance. Ripe and pretty fruit. Could get even better.
(James Suckling - Wine Spectator - Apr-2009)