Chateau Gruaud Larose   Chateau Gruaud Larose

1997 Chateau Gruaud-Larose

By Chateau Gruaud-Larose

1997 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien, Bordeaux

In the tapestry of St-Julien wines, the 1997 Chateau Gruaud-Larose from Chateau Gruaud-Larose, threads an intriguing narrative. This vintage, which stands as a tapestry of complexity woven through the experienced hands at the estate, heralds from a year that many regarded with circumspection, due to the climatic challenges it posed across Bordeaux.

 

A Softer Embrace: The Matured Grandeur of '97

The '97 vintage, overshadowed by blockbuster years preceding and following it, channels a mellower cadence -- an understated elegance that entices rather than overwhelms. A tasting discovery in this bottle reveals layers of plummy depth intertwined with tertiary notes of forest floor and delicately worn leather. Such mature characteristics are emblematic of the adaptive finesse inherent in Chateau Gruaud-Larose's vinicultural approach.

 

Vintage Nuance: The '97's Climatic Testimony

While the 1997 season started with benevolent weather conducive to a sound bloom, summer rains prompted an earlier harvest to preserve quality. Through adroit craftsmanship, however, Chateau Gruaud-Larose distilled the year's eccentricities into a medley of soft tannins and ripe fruit with a wafting bouquet that pays homage to its varietal heritage. The result is an unforeseen classicism—a matured patrician amongst its peers, offering refined sophistication suitable for consummate wine investment discussions.

Best approached at its drinking apex now or in the near future, the 1997 vintage from Chateau Gruaud-Larose beckons not just as a cerebral indulgence but also as a prudent choice for collectors and investors who discern value beyond mere scores and trends.

 

Concluding Notes on Investment Worthiness

In today’s contemporary wine investment tableau, the 1997 Chateau Gruaud-Larose posits itself as a distinctive proposition. Graced with age yet still brimming with vitality, it prompts us to consider not only the joys of immediate drinking pleasure but also its potential continuity in enhancing one’s cellar portfolio. Indeed, this vintage stands as a testament to the deft interplay between man and nature unique to this part of Bordeaux—certainly a savvy acquisition for those looking to diversify into matured St-Julien wines.

Current market price

$1,260.00

12x75cl

Highest score

87

POP score

108.57

Scores and tasting notes

87

The 1997 Gruaud Larose is a soft, fleshy effort loaded with olive and licorice-tinged, black cherry and cassis fruit. Smoky, new saddle leather notes also emerge as the wine sits in the glass. Offering excellent richness, medium body, moderate weight, low acidity, and soft tannin, it will provide delicious as well as surprisingly complex, savory drinking for a decade.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 20 April 2000

Vintage performance