Wines Saint-Julien Château Gruaud Larose - 1989

Château Gruaud Larose 1989 hails from one of the most revered estates in Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, and is a quintessential expression of the Médoc's Left Bank. This illustrious second growth is crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, with smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot—a classical Bordeaux blend. The 1989 vintage was marked by a hot, sunny summer and a timely harvest, leading to concentrated wines with impressive structure and longevity. The winemaking at Gruaud Larose balances traditional methods with modern precision; fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vats, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, imparting fine tannins and subtle spice over decades of maturation.

Saint-Julien enjoys an enviable position along the Gironde estuary, which tempers the climate and shields vines from harsh conditions. The region’s gravelly soils provide excellent drainage and encourage deep root systems, essential for the development of complexity and minerality in the finished wines. The Medoc's winemaking heritage dates back centuries, with Saint-Julien renowned for producing reds that harmonise power and elegance—a hallmark evident in the mature 1989 Gruaud Larose, which now offers a bouquet of cedar, tobacco, dried black fruits, leather, and earthy undertones, as well as surprising freshness for its age.

This venerable claret is at its best alongside classic French cuisine. Its evolved tannins and savoury profile will pair beautifully with lamb roasted with herbs, a fine entrecôte bordelaise, or game birds such as pheasant. For an authentic regional match, consider a bordelaise sauce enriched with bone marrow or a gratin of porcini mushrooms. Mature hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Cantal are also excellent companions, bringing forward the wine’s subtle nuances.

To fully appreciate the delicate aromatics and intricate palate of Château Gruaud Larose 1989, serve it between 17-18°C after at least an hour’s gentle decanting, ensuring any remaining sediment stays in the bottle and allowing this remarkable Bordeaux to unfold in your glass.