Château Gruaud Larose St Julien 1855 2ième Cru 1998

Deep plum in colour, this is utterly gorgeous. A real sense of energy and drive through the palate, with a savoury brushed-velvet quality to the tannins that takes you straight into St Julien, this magic corner of Bordeaux. Tobacco, campfire notes, black cherry, raspberry puree and saffron strands. Not quite as persistent as you might first imagine, but this is a beautiful wine. They were using a touch of Malbec at this point, pulled up as of 2008. Harvest September 29 to October 13, 35% new oak.