95 Robert Parker
As I wrote in my barrel tasting note, the 2009 appears to be the finest Gruaud Larose since their 1990. Some of my concerns about too much brett in previous vintages are long gone as the purity of the 2009 jumps out. Copious notes of sagebrush, cedar, cigar box, licorice, incense, blackberries and lead pencil shavings suggest a big Pauillac rather than a St.-Julien. Broad, rich and full-bodied with good balance and abundant, but sweet, well-integrated tannin, this big, masculine Gruaud Larose reveals remarkable finesse, richness, extract, density and a cascade of fruit that nearly hides the lofty tannins. This beauty should be at its best between 2020-2045.
18 Rene Gabriel
Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Faszinierendes Bouquet, schön floral mit fast parfümierem Cabernet, pfeffrig, direkt mit einer schönen, trüffeligen Tiefe. Feinster Gaumen, alles mit blauen und schwarzen Beeren bespickt, königliche Adstringenz, noch eine feine Bitterkeit in den Muskeln und im Extrakt, zeigt ein eindrückliches Potential. warten (2018 - 2040)
92 Wine Spectator
This has good density, with fleshy blackberry and blueberry cobbler flavors laced with anise, sweet spice and smoldering maduro tobacco notes. Long and well-structured, with fresh, embedded acidity. Best from 2013 through 2023. 14,500 cases made. –JM