Château Gruaud Larose Cordier Grand Cru Classé (1982)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Bordeaux with rich flavors of dark fruits, tobacco, and earthy notes.
About this wine
The 1982 Château Gruaud Larose from Saint-Julien is a remarkable Bordeaux blend, predominantly featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This wine presents a deep garnet color with slight bricking at the rim, indicating its maturity. On the nose, it offers complex aromas of blackcurrants, leather, cigar box, and dark chocolate. The palate is full-bodied and rich, showcasing flavors of ripe black fruits, tobacco, and earthy undertones, supported by silky tannins that have softened over time. Notably, the 1982 vintage is considered one of the most concentrated Bordeaux wines ever produced, reflecting the exceptional conditions of that year. This wine continues to evolve gracefully, offering a profound tasting experience.
About the grape
In the 1982 Château Gruaud Larose, the grape blend was predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its deep color and tannic structure, thrives in the gravelly soils of Saint-Julien, contributing to the wine's longevity. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing the robustness of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity with notes of herbs and red fruits, while Petit Verdot, though used sparingly, enhances color and adds subtle spice. This combination reflects the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, aiming for a harmonious and age-worthy wine.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1982 vintage of Château Gruaud Larose is renowned for its exceptional quality, often considered on par with First Growth wines.
- 🏞️ The estate's vineyards are among the highest in the Saint-Julien appellation, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine's unique character.
- 🛡️ Château Gruaud Larose employs a hail-prevention cannon that uses sound waves to break up hailstones, protecting the vines from damage.
- 🦁 The estate's coat of arms features two lions, a ship, and a bunch of grapes flanked by anchors, symbolizing its rich history and connection to the Gironde Estuary.
- ⏳ The 1982 vintage is known for its remarkable aging potential, with some bottles expected to continue evolving beautifully until 2050.
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.
