Château Gruaud Larose 2021 – Saint-Julien 2ème Grand Cru Classé

The nose is fresh, elegant, racy and offers lovely finesse, distinction in its power, depth, fine grain, power but relatively delicate and multi-layered character. There are notes of boysenberry, strawberry and more lightly fleshy/pulpy berries combined with touches of racy gravel as well as fine nuances of blueberry, star anise, a subtle hint of peony, graphite, saltiness, vanilla and chocolate. The palate is fruity, mineral, nicely racy and reveals a nice definition, an acidic backbone, tension, a fine infusion quality, a nice finesse in its tension, a nice expression of classicism in its elegance, much delicacy. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, bright blackcurrant and, more lightly, red berries, combined with hints of wild strawberry, discreet hints of violet, a subtle hint of balsamic, a discreet hint of fresh blue berries, fine mocha, clove, a subtle hint of peony and graphite. A nice persistence that brings finesse. The tannins are supple, elegant and fine. A nice impact, even if minimal, of Cabernet Franc which reinforces the elegance and underlines the fruit of Cabernet Sauvignon.