Full, saturated ruby. Exotic berry liqueur and bitter chocolate on the sappy, slightly inky nose. Massive and rich, with huge tannins and firm acids contributing to the impression of structure and power. A very densely packed vin de garde that will require a decade or more of bottle aging. "The wine started out a bit dry in the middle but has gotten sweeter in recent weeks," noted Carmagnac at the end of March. Some early tasters have compared this wine to the '75 Gruaud-Larose, whose tannins took a good two decades to soften. But these tannins are smoother.

A very strong effort for Gruaud Larose, possibly eclipsed by what they have done in 2009, this is a pure, full-bodied Gruaud Larose with plenty of new saddle leather, cedar wood, black currants, cherries, licorice, and Provencal herbs. Spicy, earthy, full-bodied, and rich, it has hit its plateau of full maturity, where it should stay for another 20 or more years.

This wine is black. Super aromas of licorice and tar, then violets. Full-bodied, with sleek and racy tannins. Very long finish. Best Gruaud ever? Score range: 95-100