Château Gruaud Larose Cordier Grand Cru Classé (1989)

About this wine

The 1989 Château Gruaud Larose from Saint-Julien presents a deep ruby color with slight garnet hues, indicating its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of cedar, tobacco, and cassis, accompanied by subtle notes of leather and mint. The palate is well-balanced, featuring ripe red fruits like red currant and plum, complemented by soft, velvety tannins that provide a smooth texture. This vintage is notable for its harmonious integration of flavors, reflecting the exceptional growing conditions of 1989, which included a hot, dry summer leading to an early harvest. The wine's complexity and depth make it a classic representation of Bordeaux's Left Bank terroir.

About the grape

Château Gruaud Larose, located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, cultivates a blend of grape varieties that contribute to the complexity of its wines. The vineyard is planted with approximately 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape, thrives in the gravelly soils of the Médoc, providing structure and aging potential. Merlot adds softness and roundness, while Cabernet Franc contributes aromatic complexity. Petit Verdot, though used in smaller quantities, imparts deep color and spicy notes. The estate's commitment to sustainable practices, including organic and biodynamic farming, ensures the health of these vines and the expression of their unique terroir.

Quick facts

• 👑🍷 Château Gruaud Larose, established in 1725, is renowned as the 'King of Wines, Wine of Kings.'
• 🍓🌲🌍🚬 The 1989 vintage is celebrated for its rich, well-balanced wines with good concentration, featuring notes of wild strawberries, cedar, earth, and tobacco.
• 🌿🍇 The vineyard spans 82 hectares, planted with 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.
• 🌱🌍 The estate practices sustainable agriculture, aiming to optimize economic performance while limiting environmental impacts.
• 🪵🍷 The 1989 vintage was aged for 16-18 months in French oak barrels, with 30% being new oak, enhancing its complexity and aging potential.

Palate profile

Producer

Château Gruaud Larose, established in 1725 by Joseph Stanislas Gruaud, is a historic winery located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. The estate was later inherited by his nephew, Chevalier de Larose, who expanded its reputation. In 1855, it was classified as a Second Growth in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, recognizing its exceptional quality. The Merlaut family acquired the château in 1997 and has since implemented organic and biodynamic farming practices, achieving organic certification in 2022. Notably, the estate features a distinctive tower built in 1740, originally used to signal the quality of the harvest to potential buyers.