Sarget de Gruaud Larose 2021

Succulent and just a little austere in terms of texture, with nicely spiced edges and plush blackcurrant fruit on the mid-palate. This certainly doesn’t lack any depth or weight, with good direction all the way through. Really pure fruit, offering clarity, juiciness and succulence with the Petit Verdot spice, not to mention a rigid backbone. Great freshness. The suppleness and the slightly bitter tannins work really well and are a good sign of things to come. 2% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Dark garnet, purple rim. Delicate floral aromas lie beneath blackberry fruit, notes of fresh herbs, a mineral touch. Light-footed, subtle red berry fruit, discreet tannins, a salty-mineral finish, a fine leafy note on the aftertaste; versatile.

The nose is fruity and offers a touch of concentration, racy minerality, fine grain, subtle power, and an enticing/velvety edge. It reveals notes of pulpy blackcurrant, fresh/pulpy wild blackberry and, more slightly, fleshy raspberry, combined with hints of violet, racy minerality, a discreet hint of licorice, fresh blond tobacco, and a subtle touch of vanilla. The palate is fruity, fresh, mineral and offers smoothness, harmony, a lovely mineral framework, and pure fruit. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy raspberry, juicy cherry and, more slightly, pulpy/fresh blackcurrant, combined with hints of violet, lily, racy/iodized minerality, as well as small touches of vibrant blue plum, a subtle hint of Cuben pepper, toast, and vanilla. The tannins are supple, fresh, and suave.

Bottled in May 2023, the 2021 Sarget de Gruaud Larose has a perfumed bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and light rose petal scents, a little pastille-like in style. There’s fine delineation and more purity than other vintages of this second wine. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins at the moment, though that is because of its proximity to bottling and will soften with time. It attenuates a little on the finish, but it will still provide a decade’s worth of drinking pleasure.

Logo on the cork: JL (Lafitte Liège) Dark, purplish color. Moderately intense nose, with pure, ripe fruit, complemented by a touch of ink. Precise on the attack, flavorful through the mid-palate, with real depth of flavor and a rich, rounded texture, the wine develops with power and even length. A slightly firm finish, but without any harsh tannic edge. A success. Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc.