Château Gruaud Larose St Julien 1855 2ième Cru 1999

A difficult vintage with a promising summer, but with rain at harvest. This majors black fruits, from bilberry, loganberry to blackberry, that have softened over the past 22 years but remain subdued, with an earthy quality, along with raspberry leaf, bay, cèpes and undergrowth. The classic St Julien mint leaf freshness and a juicy minerality come through on the finish. Harvest September 14 to 29. 35% new oak.