2023 Sarget de Gruaud Larose, St Julien, Bordeaux

52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40.5% Merlot, 3.5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Certified organic. Cask sample.

Forward, engaging with crunchy fruit. Linear and fresh with light, fine tannins. Appealing early drinking.

Drink 2026 - 2035

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Sarget de Gruaud Larose skips out with vivacious notes of Morello cherries, juicy raspberries, and fresh plums leading to an undercurrent of violets, wood smoke, and fragrant soil. The light to medium-bodied palate is soft and refreshing, with a savory personality and soft-spoken finish. The blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40.5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3.5% Petit Verdot.

Drink 2026 - 2033

The 2023 Sarget de Gruaud Larose, matured in 15% new oak, displays a deep purple hue. The nose is quite "punchy" for a Deuxième Vin, with plenty of black cherries, iodine and light cedar scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a structured, slightly chewy entry, licorice-infused black fruit and firm grip; there is a bullishness about this Sarget, so afford it a couple of years before pulling the cork. 

Drink 2026 - 2036

The 2023 Sarget de Gruaud Larose is a pretty serious second wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, spice and mocha are all front and center. The presence of the fruit here is alluring. Soft, plush contours wrap it all together in style. I very much like the depth here.

Drink 2025 - 2038

Vivid iris colour, floral aromatics, a little subdued on the opening notes, touches of tar, blueberry and raspberry fruits, and edges of tobacco leaf and cocoa bean, enjoyable. Harvest September 11 to October 3, 15% new oak for 12 months. 42hl/h yield

Drink 2027 - 2038

Dark berries on the nose, lots of herbal tones, blackcurrant and clove spice. Really bright and vibrant, juicy and so succulent. Clean and crisp, lots of menthol freshness with clove and cedar. I love the graphite mineral undertone that lingers on the finish. Clean, lean, straight, but extremely well defined and finessed with crisp red fruits, strawberry, cranberry and just-ripe raspberry. Tangy, slick and straight but alive with personality. A great second wine, punchy and forthright. 3.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Drink 2027 - 2039