Winemaker and vineyard : Located in the heart of the Médoc, the terroir benefits from a microclimate particularly conducive to the expression of the vine. The nature of the soil limits the restitution of rainwater and the summer period, very hot and dry from July to September, is decisive for a good veraison, a good maturation and a satisfactory transfer between the root system and the grape. The soil is humus, clay, sand and pebbles forgotten by the river. The subsoil is red, yellow or blue clay, then sand and more rolled pebbles, those of the Pyrenean diluvium. The gravel prevents the earth from being a compact, asphyxiating, blind mass. The entire Ice Age is embodied in these mineral landscapes.

Tasting : The 2016 Gruaud Larose is blended of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with notes of red and black cherries, warm plums and freshly crushed blackcurrants plus hints of violets, oolong tea, aniseed and tilled soil with a waft of garrigue. Medium-bodied, the palate struts tons of elegantly fragrant red and black fruit flavors with a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. robertparker.com (11.30.2018)

Service : Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany a Milanese veal escalope.