Château Gruaud Larose 2020 – Saint-Julien, Grand Cru Classé 

On the nose, racy, elegant, offering delicacy, some power (in finesse), fine richness (excellence/in finesse), subtlety and a fine tight/compact character. It reveals the notes of fleshy/full-bodied blackberry, fleshy/pulpy strawberry and more lightly cherry combined with hints of flowers (lily/violet/almost white flowers), small fleshy/crushed currants, toasted almond, spice and a discreet hint of cardamom and vanilla. The palate is fruity and offers freshness, minerality, good definition, gourmandize, a certain juiciness, a fine tangy frame, tension, straightness/precision, a stretched side as well as richness (contained), elegance and excellence. On the palate are notes of pulpy/juicy cherry, redcurrant and more lightly bright cassis associated with touches of violet, racy minerality as well as fine points of lilac, sweet spices, cardamom, discrete points of toast, hazelnut, caramelization and a very discreet touch of vanilla (in the background). The tannins are precise, elegant, nicely conducted and offer a little mellow. Good length and persistence. A fine chew on the finish/persistence.