Château Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 1990

Domaine History

Classified as **Deuxième Grand Cru Classé (Second Growth)** in 1855, **Château Gruaud Larose** stands as one of the most prestigious estates of Saint-Julien in Bordeaux. Known as “The King of Wines, The Wine of Kings,” the château emphasizes traditional winemaking and sustainable viticulture, producing powerful, structured, and long-lived wines that embody the elegance and complexity of the Left Bank.

Terroir

The 82-hectare vineyard lies on deep Garonne gravel with clay subsoils, providing ideal drainage and heat retention for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The proximity to the Gironde estuary contributes to the temperate climate, allowing optimal ripening and enhancing the aromatic complexity of the grapes.

Winemaking

Grapes are hand-harvested and vinified in traditional wooden vats. The wine undergoes maceration and fermentation with great attention to extraction and balance. Aging takes place for 18 to 24 months in French oak barrels, about 40-50% new, followed by extended bottle aging in the château’s cellars to ensure harmony and longevity.

Tasting Notes

The **1990 Gruaud Larose** shows deep garnet color with brick reflections at the rim, typical of a mature Bordeaux. The bouquet is complex and evolving, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, dried figs, tobacco, leather, cedar, and earthy notes, alongside hints of graphite, spices, and truffle. On the palate, the wine remains structured yet silky, with fine-grained tannins, integrated acidity, and a long, savory finish. The vintage offers exceptional depth, balance, and tertiary complexity—an excellent example of aged Saint-Julien at its peak.

A beautifully matured Saint-Julien—classic, elegant, and complex, showing the pedigree of Gruaud Larose and the greatness of the 1990 vintage.

Pairing

Perfect with roasted lamb, beef Wellington, venison, game birds, or aged cheeses such as Comté or Manchego.