Chateau Gruaud Larose 2eme Cru 2005 Magnum

Lobenberg: Schwarz mit rubinrotem Rand. Sehr konzentrierte und druckvolle, aber auch feine Nase mit zarter Süße. Insgesamt eleganter als sonst. Kein Stück Rustikalität. Fast berauschend in der Intensität. Im Mund kein Stück der üblichen Grasigkeit. Sehr konzentrierte Frucht, mehr rot als schwarz. Sehr voluminös, aber durchaus spürbare, leicht rauhe Tanninmassen. Sehr lang. Toller Wein, wenngleich vielleicht ein kleines Stück an Feínheit und Finesse hinter den ganz Großen zurück. 94-95/100

Jane Anson: Stately ruby red, raspberry and cassis fruits, still young, needs another few years to fully open and integrate, but everything is there for a brilliant wine with pleasure. This is a château that always takes its time, and needs half an hour in the glass to reveal smoked vanilla bean, sweet raspberry puree, turmeric spice, fresh acidity and crushed mint. Not showing quite as well as it did at a château vertical last year, but this is still a wonderful wine, and is one to look out for. Harvest September 20 to October 11, 35% new oak. 98/100 (2022)

Jeff Leve: The nose kicks off with black currants, cedar, tobacco, and savory herbs. The palate is quite classic in style, with a firm, tannic spine. There is ample concentration, but not quite enough to balance out the large amount of remaining tannins. Drink from 2026-2040. 92/100 (2026)

Robert Parker: The 2005 Gruaud Larose has a deep ruby/purple color, excellent concentration, and clean, pure black and red currant fruit, licorice and spice. It is medium to full-bodied, lush, and very soft and round. I’m surprised how drinkable it is already, although it is certainly capable of lasting 15 or more years. 90/100 (2015)