Chateau Gruaud Larose 1999 75cl

Château Gruaud Larose 1999 is a Second Cru Classé from Saint-Julien, produced from an early and high-quality vintage, with a typical blend that expresses power, elegance, and aromatic complexity.

Climate and Vintage

The year 1999 saw contrasting weather: the first three months recorded above-average temperatures, promoting early budburst in late March. April and May were wet with higher-than-normal rainfall, particularly in the first half of May, followed by a dry second half, ensuring rapid and even flowering. The summer (June to August) was warm with strong sunshine, and the ripening period from August 10 to September 12 took place in dry and warm weather, ideal conditions for the proper ripening of the grapes, qualifying this vintage as very good in the category of great crus

Terroir and Vineyard

Total area: approximately 82 hectares, located on a terroir of Garonne gravels, typical of the region, resting on a clay-limestone subsoil.
Main grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Merlot (31%), Cabernet Franc (7.5%), Petit Verdot (3%), Malbec (1.5%).
Extraction: planting density between 8,500 and 10,000 vines per hectare, average age of the vines around 46 years.
Integrated agricultural management with organic and biodynamic viticulture practices across the entire area

Vinification and Aging

Manual harvesting with a rigorous double sorting upon reception.
Alcoholic fermentation divided between wooden vats (40%) and temperature-controlled cement vats (60%) at controlled temperatures (31-33°C).
Maceration for 21 to 35 days according to regular tasting to adjust the aromatic profiles.
Pneumatic pressing with selection of the press wines.
Malolactic fermentation: 50% in oak barrels in a temperature-controlled cellar, the rest in wooden vats.
Aging for 16 to 18 months in fine-grained French oak barrels, annual renewal of around 30% of the medium-toasted barrels, in order to preserve freshness and develop fruity aromas

Characteristics and Tasting

Color: between ruby and garnet, intense and deep.
Nose: fresh, soft bouquet with notes of vanilla, toasted bread, brioche, blackcurrant, cherry, tapenade, new leather, and damp earth.
On the palate: rich, full-bodied, and complex, balanced between power and elegance. Aromas of black fruits, spices, smoky touches, and fine notes of cranberry. Imposing but supple tannins, harmonious structure with a good finish.
Recommended serving temperature: 17-18°C.

Aging potential: can still evolve favorably for several years in the cellar, ideal for prolonged aging.