WTN: '96 Gruaud Larose

[Jenise]

1996 Château Gruaud Larose St. Julien Red Bordeaux Blend
Decanted an hour before dinner. Cork was whole with no seepage, but it slipped out too easily. Almost no sediment. Dark color on the browner side of garnet, scant fruit, parched tannins. Didn't improve in the glass. Disappointing--there are good bottles of this around, and I've had some of them. This wasn't it, though.

[David M. Bueker]

The bloom is off Larose.

Going by memory, the 1995 is much more reliable. Not as good as the superb 1986, but very respectable.

[Jenise]

The bloom is off Larose.

Perfect!

Was a delayed anniversary celebration; I'm out of 86's (many of which were also GLs) and had saved this this year. Should have just tossed it and opened bottle after bottle until I found something I loved, cost/value be damned.

You know how good the 86 GL can be then! Second only to the Mouton in my experience. And it should still be drinking beautifully after we are but memories!

Its always a bummer when a wine with high expectations is flawed. And on your anniversary as well! Sorry for the double hit.

[Jenise]

Oh well. We'll just have to try again.

Glad to have 1 GL left. Drank many from a case wayyy to young.

Sorry, I was refering to the 1986 vintage.

[Jenise]

That's all right. The 86's were pretty grand, and drank well for a long time. I can't blame you for drinking them young.