Wines Saint-Julien Château Gruaud Larose - 1989

Viniou Reviews

Château Gruaud Larose 1989 is a classic representative of the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation in Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Primarily produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and typically a touch of Petit Verdot, the 1989 vintage hails from a year noted for ripe, well-structured wines. With over three decades of cellaring, this wine expresses complex tertiary aromatics: leather, cedar box, and cigar leaf overlay dense notes of cassis, dried plums, and sweet spice. The vinification at Gruaud Larose blends traditional methods—long maceration, careful extraction, and ageing in French oak barrels, of which a significant proportion are new—imbuing the wine with remarkable depth and longevity. The rehohoboam, an unusually large bottle size, further enhances ageing potential and preserves freshness, offering a rare and indulgent experience.

Saint-Julien, nestled between Pauillac and Margaux, benefits from the Médoc’s temperate maritime climate, strongly influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. The region’s deep gravel soils, mingled with sand and clay, provide excellent drainage and create perfect conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon to flourish. The area’s viticultural history stretches back to Roman times, but Saint-Julien truly rose to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries, establishing a reputation for wines that marry the structure of Pauillac with a certain silkiness, unique to the appellation.

For pairing, Château Gruaud Larose 1989 excels alongside richly flavoured, classic French cuisine. Game birds such as roast duck with a red wine reduction, or rack of lamb Provençal complement its depth and evolution. Regional dishes like entrecôte à la Bordelaise, prepared with shallots and a red wine sauce, underscore the wine’s savoury nuances, while aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire cheeses echo its tertiary complexity.

To fully appreciate the mature subtleties of this remarkable wine, decant gently to allow aeration and serve at 17-18°C. Enjoy within a convivial setting, savouring its storied history and enduring elegance.