Chateau Gruaud Larose 1996 - 750ml

International Wine Cellar

Very good dark red-ruby. Explosive, perfumed, ripe cabernet aromas of cassis, coffee, leather and game; more precise and subtle than those of the '97. Sweet, intensely flavored and strong in extract; enlivened by solid acidity. Finishes very long, with firm, tongue-coating tannins. Very strong wine, as precise and scented on the back half as on the front. "Like the '86 but with more finesse and aromatic complexity," says Pauli.

91pts Vinous

Dark ruby. Deep, brooding nose hints at dark plum, blackcurrant, coffee and lavender accented by cinnamon and nutmeg. Enters bright and fresh, then turns richer in the middle, with accessible plum, herb and coffee flavors persisting nicely on the peppery finish, which features chewy tannins. This is at once more herbal and more forward than the 1995. It's also better than I remember it, and although still quite young it offers plenty of appeal. The wine's harmonious acidity makes it seem lighter-bodied than it is. About 40% of the malolactic fermentation was carried out in barriques, compared to a normal one-third. Note that the label states 12.5% alcohol, but the data given to me by the estate shows 13% alcohol. 

Winemaker Notes

The wine is full bodied, but elegant with lots of fruit when young. The wine ages very well and develops all the characteristics of a great Bordeaux.

63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot.