Professional reviews
Robert Parker (92)
Tasted at BBR’s 2005/2009 tasting in London. The Gruaud-Larose 2005 has wonderful purity and lift on the nose with dark baked cherries, crushed strawberry, red cherry, cassis, a touch of leather and black truffle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and good acidity, harmonious with a slightly powdery texture towards the very composed, plum, sage and thyme-tinged finish. Lingers nicely in the mouth. Tasted July 2011.
Winespectator (91)
Aromas of blackberry, meat and earth follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a rich finish. Decadent, balanced and very approachable already. I thought it would have been a little better than this.
Jancis Robinson (17.50)
Dark purplish crimson. Complex, evolved, broad nose. Subtle, fruity and polished. Very complete and satisfying. A wine designed to give pleasure.
Vinous (92)
The 2005 Gruaud Larose was tasted from two bottles at the estate as the first was corked. The second offers intense black fruit with juniper and cedar notes, but something prevents it from blossoming, like the 1982, for example. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit. It's a broad-shouldered Gruaud with a firm grip, sapid and muscular with a demonstrative finish that just needs to learn a few manners. This is a bit...gruff! Yet, it is a notch above the vintages of this era. Tasted at the Gruaud Larose vertical at the château in February 2023.
Rene Gabriel (19)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 19/20 points.
Wine Enthusiast (94)
This tastes of great Cabernet Sauvignon, with its black currant, cedar and herbs and fresh, juicy acidity. It is as fresh as it is rich, but it has a structure of dense tannins that balances the wine. This is one of the best wines from Gruaud-Larose for several years.
The Wine Independent (95)
