Château Gruaud Larose 2020

A precise and refined Second Cru Classé from Saint-Julien

The estate

A historical reference of the Saint-Julien appellation, Château Gruaud Larose was founded in 1757, when different estates merged. The property received its current name when the heir of Joseph Gruaud added "Larose" to his name, thus becoming Château Gruaud Larose. Acquired by the Merlaut family in 1997, Château Gruaud Larose embodies the excellence of the fine red wines of Saint-Julien and seduces fans of the appellation with its signature style.

The vineyard

Enjoying a superb location in the Saint-Julien appellation, the Château Gruaud Larose vineyard covers 82 hectares of Quaternary Garonne gravel soils, more than 600,000 years old. The vines are 46 years old on average. The vineyard of Château Gruaud Larose is managed with sustainable viticultural practices that show respect to the environment, such as soil ploughing, the use of organic fertilisers, planting hedges, grassing the vine rows and introducing sheep to graze the latter.

The vintage

2020 began with a historically rainy winter. A tropical spring encouraged early budbreak, but also strong mildew pressure which resulted from heavy rainfall. Summer was marked by dry and hot conditions, causing high water stress. The thunderstorms in mid-August and early September helped to revive the vine cycle and to ensure optimal berry ripeness.

Winemaking and ageing

Plot-based vinification in thermo-regulated, wooden vats. Alcoholic fermentation at 24-26°C. Maceration for 20 to 30 days. 3 vertical presses. Placed into barrels at pressing. Malolactic fermentation carried out alongside alcoholic fermentation thanks to co-inoculation. Ageing lasts for 18 months in French oak barrels, 95% of which is new wood.

Blend

The 2020 Château Gruaud Larose is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (79%), Cabernet Franc (4%), Merlot (17%).