Monsieur Touton Selection, Ltd.
212-255-0674
contact@mtouton.com
www.mtouton.com
Prices and availability subject to confirmation
November 2024 1117

Chateau Gruaud Larose

2008
Blend
9% Cabernet Franc
57% Cabernet Sauvignon
34% Merlot
Country
France
Region
Bordeaux
Appellation
Saint-Julien
UPC
0 15643 84080 7
Red Wine
Verified Stock
1691-08
Product Ratings
James Suckling 90pt

A delicate and refined red, with blueberry, spices and meat aromas. Medium body, with fine tannins and a earthy finish. Almost Burgundian in style.

by James Suckling, 2010
Wine Advocate 90pt

While the 2008 is not a blockbuster, it is a strong effort for the vintage. This dark plum/purple-hued wine reveals some background oak, licorice, earth, plum, black currant and cherry notes intertwined with a foresty/mossy component. Deep, polished and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin, it builds incrementally on the palate. This impressive 2008 will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for two decades.

by Wine Advocate, 2011
Wine Spectator 90pt

Roasted, with dark fig, plum and cocoa flavors. Extra black tea, bittersweet cocoa and anise notes linger through the finish. Shows solid depth. Drink now through 2017. 10,462 cases made.

by Wine Spectator, 2011

Climate 2008

An atypical winter: particularly mild and dry winter the first two months, exceptionally cold and humid in March, causing slow recovery of the plants. A humid spring: a late and disturbed floraison. Contrasted summer: cold and gloomy in June and August but dry in July ensuring sufficient hydrous stress to obtain a good vintage. In September and October: cool and dry atmosphere conducive to a slow maturation, preserving the aromas and synthesizing the anthocyanin.

Vineyard management

Integrated Pest Control (mechanical work, organic fertilisation), Weather Station (phytosanitary protection), Prophylaxis (thinning out the leaves, removal of excess buds and shoots, green harvest). Heightening of the trellis. Manual harvesting, selection on a belt in the vineyard and double sorting at the harvest reception.

Tasting notes

Limpid, brilliant. Dark slightly violet colour. Floral nose with black currant, red fruit, white pepper and spices. Frank, tannic attack. Chocolate and hazelnut. A beautifully balanced finish. The wine is still closed but shows a fine potential. Great length. Very pleasant to taste now but it is preferable to keep it for a few years.