Château Gruaud Larose Cordier Grand Cru Classé (1988)

About this wine

The 1988 Château Gruaud Larose from Saint-Julien offers a complex bouquet of earthy red fruits, cedar, tobacco leaf, and mint. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a spicy character, showcasing youthful vigor and a fresh, minty nuance that complements the red fruit flavors. The wine's structure is robust, with well-integrated tannins that have softened over time, leading to a smooth and lingering finish. Notably, the 1988 vintage was marked by a dry summer, resulting in thick grape skins rich in color and tannins, contributing to the wine's depth and aging potential. This vintage reflects the estate's commitment to producing wines that balance power and elegance, characteristic of the Saint-Julien appellation.

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 region, providing structure and aging potential. Merlot adds softness and roundness, while Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity. Petit Verdot, though used in smaller quantities, contributes deep color and spice notes. This combination of grape varieties allows Château Gruaud Larose to produce wines with depth and balance, reflecting the unique terroir of Saint-Julien.

Quick facts

• 🌦️🍇 The 1988 vintage of Château Gruaud Larose experienced a unique climate: a wet winter and spring, followed by a dry summer, resulting in thick grape skins rich in color and tannins.
• 👑🍷 Château Gruaud Larose's motto, 'Le Vin des Rois, Le Roi des Vins' ('The Wine of Kings, The King of Wines'), reflects its esteemed reputation.
• 🏞️🍇 The estate's vineyards are among the highest in the Saint-Julien appellation, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine's quality.
• 🛡️🔊 In 1997, Château Gruaud Larose installed a hail-prevention cannon that uses sound waves to break up hailstones, protecting the vines from damage.
• 🍷🍇 The 1988 vintage is noted for its robust and concentrated profile, with flavors of licorice, roasted meats, and sweet berry and black currant, indicating its longevity and complexity.

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.