2014 Gruaud Larose 12 Pack

94 POINTS

James Suckling

Aromas of strawberries and cherries follow through to a full body, silky tannins and a tangy finish. Fresh and clean. Linear and pretty. Purity of fruit is impressive. Drink in 2020.

93 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2014 Gruaud Larose marks the first step in the right direction, with much more freshness on the nose than previous vintages: blackberry, melted tar and cedar. There is simply a greater sense of purpose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, crisp and sculpted, less rustic than before. I suspect this has much more longevity than the 2011 or 2012, with more grip and backbone evident on the finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023 and blind at the Southwold tasting in February 2024.

92 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Shows a perfumy hint, with black tea and singed allspice notes out front, followed by a core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit. Light anise and apple wood details fill in on the finish. Supple yet well-packed.

92 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

The wine is all about fruit and balanced tannins. It is juicy, so drinkable now, although with enough structure to promise good aging. Perfumed black-currant fruits show strongly. The wine shows how this chateau continues to perform reliably. Drink from 2020.

92 POINTS

Roger Voss - Wine Enthusiast

91–93. Barrel Sample. This is a powerful, dry wine showing solid tannins, powered by a background of perfumed black currant flavors. A beautiful balance of fruit and structure will develop down the line.

92 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

The 2014 Gruaud Larose has a sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, minerals, raspberry coulis and cedar aromas that waft generously from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, crisp and focused with impressive density in the mouth. It is grippy and assertive; clearly a Saint Julien predesigned for long-term ageing, with a precise finish that bodes well for the future. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

92 POINTS

Jeannie Cho Lee MW - Asian Palate

Well made Gruaud-Larose with suave tannins and lifted flavors - violets, black plum, blackberry and sweet spices. Beautifully composed and approachable early - should also age well over the next decade or two easily.

René Gabriel

58 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 29 % Merlot, 8 % Cabernet Franc, 5 % Petit Verdot. Produktion: 150'000 Flaschen Grand Vin. Der Zweitwein, der Sarget (Produktion 250'000 Flaschen), war sehr aromatisch mit viel schönen Cabernetausdruck und einer tollen Aromatik. Also war dies bereits ein gutes Omen für den «richtigen Gruaud». Mit 44 hl/ha war das eine gute Ernte. Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Faszinierendes Bouquet, die Cabernetexpression weist eine ganz deutliche, geradlinige Frische auf. Die nasalen Aromen; Cassis, Brombeeren, Zedern, auch einen feinen Hauch von Eucalyptus kann man darin finden. Er vermittelt eine barocke Tiefe, sowie ein ziemlich ausgelegtes Aromenfeld. Im Gaumen saftig, sehr elegante Tannine, gut balanciert und fast ein Bisschen auf dem femininen Trip. Aber vielleicht hat dieser gewisse, feminine Touch ja vielleicht auch etwas mit der neuen Kellermeisterin, Stéphanie Lebaron zu tun… 18/20 2020 – 2045 18/20