Château Gruaud Larose Cordier Grand Cru Classé (1983)

About this wine

The 1983 Château Gruaud-Larose from Saint-Julien offers a bouquet of truffle, smoked beef, earth, and cedar. On the palate, it presents delicate red cherry, spicecake, and orange rind flavors, complemented by fresh acidity and silky tannins. This wine has aged gracefully, showcasing the balance and elegance characteristic of its terroir. Notably, the 1983 vintage was overshadowed by the acclaimed 1982, yet it has developed into a classic Bordeaux with its own distinct charm. This wine is a testament to the estate's ability to produce age-worthy wines that evolve beautifully over time.

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, balancing the tannic nature of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity and contributes to the wine's elegance. Petit Verdot, though used in smaller quantities, imparts deep color and spicy notes, enhancing the overall profile of the wine. This combination of grape varieties, cultivated in the unique terroir of Château Gruaud Larose, results in wines renowned for their finesse and longevity.

Quick facts

• 🏰 Château Gruaud Larose was established in 1725 by Joseph Stanislas Gruaud, who combined three vineyard parcels to form the estate.
• 🍷 The 1983 vintage of Château Gruaud Larose is known for its complex aromas of truffle, smoked beef, earth, and cedar, reflecting its maturity.
• 👑 The estate's motto, 'Le Roi des Vins, le Vin des Rois' ('The King of Wines, the Wine of Kings'), underscores its esteemed reputation.
• 🍇 Château Gruaud Larose's vineyards are planted with a blend of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, contributing to the wine's complexity.
• 🔄 The estate has a history of division and reunification, notably being split into two properties in 1867 and later reunited by the Cordier family in the early 20th century.

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.