Tasting Notes:
98 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
A massive wine that is clearly of first-growth quality in this vintage, the 1982 Gruaud Larose remains a youngster. A broodingly dense, thick, unctuously textured, inky/plum/garnet/purple color offers up scents of beef blood, steak tartare, cassis, herbs, tobacco, and underbrush. One of the most concentrated wines of the vintage (as well as one of the most concentrated Bordeaux’s I have ever tasted), it is a huge, full-bodied, weighty, rich wine whose tannins are getting silkier and silkier. It appears set for another 30-40 years of life. This behemoth is a singularly profound example of Gruaud Larose that continues to justify its legendary status. (RP) 6/2009)
96 points Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar
Bright red with a pale rim. The still-closed nose reluctantly releases aromas of red cherry, sweet spices, aromatic herbs and coffee. Dense, rich and fleshy, with ripe red cherry, tobacco and forest floor flavors given shape by haarmonious acidity and smooth tannins. The very long, slightly chewy finish shows a peppery chocolatey persistence. This is developing at a snail’s space and might last another three or four decades in a cold cellar, but while its tannic structure is noble and impressive, I’d probably want to check in on it again in five years’ time to see how the fruit is holding up. (4/2013)
94 points Wine Spectator
One of the best wines ever made at this estate. Dense ruby color with a slight amber edge. Intense grape, berry and raspberry aromas. Full-bodied, with loads of velvety tannins and a long, ripe fruit and mineral aftertaste.(11/1998)
Jancis Robinson
Cool and very fresh with a seam of graphite. Drier than the Grand Puy Lacoste 1982 served blind alongside. More intense but with more obvious acidity. It may be drying out but I have given it the benefit of the doubt. 18/20 points.(7/2012)
Bottle Size:
1.5L Magnum
Storage History:
Stored on it’s side in a climate controlled cellar since purchase.
Condition:
Minor label scuffs. Otherwise perfect.
