Sarget de Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 2022 - Second Vin BIO

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

A revolution in this second wine with lots of aromatic charm and a high-quality texture. Highly recommended while waiting for the grand vin.

About the estate:

The Château's vast vineyard is located on one of the most sumptuous and homogeneous deep gravel plateaus in the entire Médoc region. It has belonged to the Merlaut family since 1997. Few Médoc wines, even among the Premiers Crus, can boast such a homogeneous terroir as Gruaud-Larose, despite its size. One might imagine that 80% of the vines produce the grand vin, but here the selection process is even more rigorous, which is particularly evident in the grand vin, ideally full-bodied and harmonious, and even more precise over the last three years thanks to a new, female generation of vineyard managers and cellar masters who are more rigorous and inspired. By nature, it very rarely dries out with long aging, and fifty-year-old bottles such as the 1962 or 1961 are still as impressive as ever.

Decanter

About wine:

Delicious aromas, slightly floral, herbaceous, and black fruit. A clean, fresh, and lively nose. A supple and juicy texture that makes your mouth water, with tannins that are present but enveloping. You can sense the underlying power: the fruit is slightly warm and toasted, and the structure is a little austere, but I appreciate its intensity. Powerful, fruity and pure at the same time. Frank, open and lively, with a beautiful salinity bringing minerality for a clean and persistent finish. A joyful wine. 50% production, 10% pressing. pH: 3.8. Total acidity: 3.35 g/l. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 2026-2038

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

Created in the early 18th century by the Gruaud family, the estate passed into the hands of the Larose family in 1771, who added their name and built the neoclassical château. In 1812, the Balguerie and Sarget families bought the property, then split, giving rise to Gruaud Larose-Bethmann and Gruaud Larose-Sarget. The estates were reunited in 1934 thanks to Désiré Cordier. Sold in 1983 to institutional investors, Gruaud Larose was bought back in 1997 by the Taillan family group (Merlaut), which now owns a vast vineyard covering 82 hectares, almost all of which is contiguous.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

The vineyard is very well located on a plateau of deep gravel, perfectly homogeneous, in the southern part of the commune of Saint-Julien, where the vines thrive remarkably well. Known for producing powerful wines in the 1980s and 1990s, often with a slightly animalistic character, the cru now offers recent vintages with more precise aromas. The Merlaut family has optimized the technical facilities that the Alcatel group, the vineyard's short-lived owner, had installed. It has also chosen to give Gruaud Larose wines a more delicious and indulgent profile, making them accessible in their youth. The latest vintages show progress in this direction, with wines that have also gained in precision. The pricing policy advocated by Jean Merlaut makes Gruaud a brand that is always accessible, which we welcome.

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

An aristocratic nose, with blue fruits—blackcurrant and blueberry—for exceptional classicism, soft and juicy. Such sweetness on the palate, controlled opulence, succulent fruit, a floral and salty caress, leading to a mouthwatering finish with notes of coffee beans. 2028-2040

Yves Beck

About wine:

The bouquet of Sarget has a clear focus on finesse and high definition. It begins with a few reductive notes, quickly followed by subtle nuances of red and black berries, complemented by a touch of spice and citrus. On the palate, the wine is cautious and precise. It does not aim to be broad or powerful, focusing instead on finesse with somewhat fleshy, perfectly integrated tannins. An authentic wine with a distinct identity, highlighting its ability to position itself with serenity and ambition. 2026-2037

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose is fruity, fresh, concentrated and deep, sappy, peppery, with sweet spices, delicate depth, elegant, precise, racy, with a subtle sappy note. It reveals notes of pulpy/fresh cherry, violet...