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1,135.00 CHF
Château Gruaud Larose 1988
The spirit of the wine
A mature, classic and earthy Saint-Julien, driven by Cabernet Sauvignon, the structured character of the 1988 vintage and the historic depth of Gruaud Larose.
102.00 CHF
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Availability All our wines are physically in stock in Geneva and are available immediately
Provenance & Storage Our wines are stored with the utmost care in our vaulted cellars in Carouge.
Birthdays Wide selection of anniversary vintages from 1924 to the present day
France • Bordeaux • Saint-Julien • Château Gruaud Larose • Second Growth • 1988
Château Gruaud Larose 1988 — Saint-Julien Second Growth
The Château Gruaud Larose 1988 is a mature Saint-Julien from a historic estate classified as a Second Growth in 1855. A classic and structured vintage, 1988 highlights the depth, upright character and earthy signature that define Gruaud Larose.
Today, the wine shows a fully evolved profile, with blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, tobacco, liquorice, spice, fine leather and forest-floor notes. The palate retains real structure, with melted yet still present tannins, classic freshness and a long finish marked by graphite and fresh earth nuances.
Terroir and winemaking
Located in Saint-Julien, Château Gruaud Larose sits on old Garonne gravel soils, poor and well-drained, particularly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. This terroir produces deep, structured wines capable of ageing over several decades.
The 1988 blend brings together 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Ageing lasted around 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, with approximately 30% new oak, refining the structure while preserving the classic identity of the estate.
Tasting notes
Appearance: dark ruby with garnet and brick reflections, visibly evolved yet still showing good depth.
Nose: classic and evolved, with blackcurrant, black plum, cedar, blond tobacco, liquorice, gentle spice, fine leather and forest-floor notes. With air, nuances of graphite, fresh earth, black tea and dried leaves emerge.
Palate: structured, upright and persistent, with substance now softened by age. The tannins remain present but polished, dark fruit merges with tertiary notes, and the finish extends the earthy, cedary and lightly spicy character of the cru.
Expert reviews
90/100 — Neal Martin
89/100 — Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
89/100 — Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Critics describe Gruaud Larose 1988 as a traditional, structured and now fully mature wine, marked by dark fruit, liquorice, spice, tobacco, tea notes and freshness still present. Neal Martin highlights its rustic yet balanced style, true to old-school Saint-Julien.
The 1988 vintage and service
In Bordeaux, 1988 is a classic vintage, more structured than opulent. At the château, thick skins rich in tannins produced a wine built for ageing, with slow evolution and a serious personality.
This Gruaud Larose is now at maturity. Gentle opening is preferable to extended decanting, in order to preserve the tertiary aromas and finesse of the bouquet. Serve at around 16 to 17°C, in large glasses.
Key points: a mature, classic and structured Château Gruaud Larose 1988, with an earthy Cabernet-driven profile, ideal for lovers of old Saint-Julien Bordeaux.
Food pairings: roast lamb, côte de bœuf, grilled ribeye steak, duck breast, veal with morels, roast pigeon, feathered game, sautéed mushrooms, gratin dauphinois or mature hard cheeses.
Data sheet
- until 2025
- Saint-Julien
- 2nd Grand Cru Classé (Bordeaux, 1855)
- Red
- 1988
- BG
- Robert Parker: 89/100
- Bordeaux
- Bottle (0.75 l)
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