Château Gruaud Larose Cordier Grand Cru Classé (1986)
SommeliAI Insights
A robust and complex Bordeaux blend from Saint-Julien, showcasing rich dark fruit flavors with notes of tobacco and cedar.
About this wine
The 1986 Château Gruaud-Larose from Saint-Julien offers a deep garnet hue, indicating its maturity. On the nose, it presents aromas of currant and cedar, leading to a palate rich with dark fruit, truffle, and subtle hints of tobacco. The wine's structure is supported by vibrant acidity and softened tannins, reflecting its evolution over decades. This vintage is noted for its balance of power and elegance, making it a standout from the 1986 Bordeaux harvest. Its longevity and complexity continue to captivate wine enthusiasts.
About the grape
Château Gruaud Larose, located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, crafts its wines using a blend of grape varieties, each contributing unique characteristics. Cabernet Sauvignon, the dominant grape, provides structure and aging potential. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing the blend. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity and subtle spice notes. Petit Verdot, though used in smaller amounts, imparts deep color and additional tannins, enhancing the wine's depth. This combination reflects the estate's commitment to producing balanced and age-worthy wines.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1986 Château Gruaud Larose is renowned for its exceptional aging potential, with some bottles still evolving gracefully after nearly four decades.
- 🍇 This vintage is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, reflecting the classic Bordeaux blend.
- 👑 The estate's motto, 'Le Vin des Rois, Le Roi des Vins' ('The Wine of Kings, The King of Wines'), underscores its esteemed reputation in the wine world.
- 🏞️ Château Gruaud Larose's vineyards are situated on the highest plateau in Saint-Julien, providing optimal drainage and contributing to the wine's distinctive character.
- ⚡ The estate employs a hail-prevention cannon to protect its vines, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation in vineyard management.
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.
