Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 88
The 2003 Gruaud Larose’s dark plum/garnet color is followed by sweet aromas of damp earth, forest floor, herbs, espresso roast, cassis, licorice, and plums. Medium-bodied as well as surprisingly up-front and precocious, it possesses sweet tannin, very nice concentration, and loads of earthy/herbal characteristics intermixed with black fruits, and an attractive, but supple, evolved finish. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. It does not rank alongside the top St.-Juliens.
Anticipated maturity: 2006-2021
JancisRobinson.com 16.5
Dark with a brownish, developed rim. Warm, dusty nose and then rather awkward acidity intrudes. This does not seem perfectly balanced. I wonder whether acid was added during vinification that is starting to make its present felt? There is certainly a big disjunction between nose and palate. The score rewards that attractive bouquet.
Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015