Chateau Gruaud Larose 2016 2. Cru Classé, Saint-Julien (12OWC)

95 Point - Decanter  94 Point - Robert Parker  93 Point - Vinous 

Saint-Julien, Château Gruaud Larose 2015 2. Cru is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, picked from 21 September. It has a rather conservative bouquet, reticent at first, gradually unfolding with truffle-tinged black fruit, the oak nicely integrated but perhaps needing a little more energy. The palate is ripe and rounded on the entry, fleshier than many of its Saint Julien counterparts, quite sumptuous in terms of mouthfeel with a suave texture. There is a sense of linearity here, a strictness that particularly comes through on the finish. The purity is commendable and the tannin, fine, but what it needs is that final flourish. It just misses that killer blow on the finish and saunters to its conclusion. I hope that it gains more in barrel. Drink: 2025 – 2055.

Score: 90/92 Neal Martin