Wines Saint-Julien Château Cru-Beaucaillou - 1989

Viniou Reviews

Château Gruaud-Larose 1989 is a classic Bordeaux red from the Saint-Julien appellation, renowned for its exceptional balance and ageing capacity. Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this vintage hails from an outstanding year in Bordeaux. The 1989 season was marked by favourable weather conditions that enabled optimal ripening, delivering wines of structure, concentration, and remarkable longevity. The terroir of Château Gruaud-Larose is marked by its deep gravel soils—reflected in the estate’s name ‘Gruaud-BEAUCAILLOU’ (‘beautiful pebbles’)—which naturally impart elegance and complexity, allowing the vines to produce grapes of impressive ripeness and structure. Vinification focuses on gentle extraction and extended maturation in French oak barrels to amplify the wine’s aromatic complexity and supple tannins.

Saint-Julien, nestled on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, is an appellation famed for producing some of Bordeaux’s most harmonious and refined wines. The region enjoys a temperate, maritime climate, moderated by its proximity to the river, which helps prevent spring frosts and regulates both humidity and temperature. The unique composition of gravel and clay soils favours deep-rooted vines, while the historic legacy of Châteaux and centuries of viticultural expertise ensure wines of pedigree and sophistication. Saint-Julien’s signature is a seamless alliance of power, structure, and finesse, making it a beloved appellation among Bordeaux enthusiasts.

For food pairings, Château Gruaud-Larose 1989 shines with classic French cuisine. Its mature, evolved flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, leather, and earthy tobacco harmonise beautifully with roast lamb studded with garlic and rosemary, beef Wellington, or duck breast with a red wine sauce. Regional dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise (ribeye in red wine and shallot sauce) or a selection of aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire cheeses will further enhance your tasting experience.

To fully appreciate its bouquet and silky texture, serve this vintage at 17-18°C. Decant gently for at least an hour to allow the complex aromas to unfold, and savour it slowly to discover all its nuanced layers. This bottle promises a memorable journey into the heart of mature Bordeaux.