Back to the best of the Left Bank, here’s one that SCREAMS top bargain from the EPIC 2019 vintage.

Of all the Châteaux Agents Vine and Noir covered during their secret summer missions to Bordeaux none left an impression as lastingly tasteful as Gruaud Larose. In fact, the background we’ve been using today is from their cellar that goes back to the 1883 vintage, GULP. That’s how deep a history, pedigree, and wealth the place holds. The elegance, the grace, the seductiveness. It’s UNREAL.

Classified as a 2nd Growth in 1855, the history of this gloriously understated Château goes back to 1725. Antonio Galloni’s Vinous is right: “At its best, Gruaud Larose embodies all that is great about Bordeaux, and Saint-Julien in particular; its wines strike a magical balance between power and finesse and age splendidly… Gruaud Larose has changed in style over the years. Whereas it was at one time one of the more massive Saint-Juliens, over the last 15 years or so it has become more similar to the other top wines of its appellation.”

Also, what 96/97 pointer Bordeaux blend is there from Napa under $80 these days? None, really!

Magical balance, of finesse and price! What are you waiting for?

97 Points – Jane Anson

“Savory, chiseled and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated fruits, totally gorgeous and so moreish. Controlled power, huge precision, with an elasticity to the tannins. It is Left Bank in a glass, St Julien in a glass, and easily one of the greatest Gruaud Larose’s at this stage for a good few decades. Harvest September 20 to October 5. First year in certified organic conversion. Totally beautiful.”

96 Points – Decanter

“A gorgeous dark purple color in the glass with a bright pink rim. It is a little reticent on the nose, just giving a hint of fragranced fruit with dark chocolate, caramel and sweet coffee touches - so inviting. Ultra sleek and suave on the palate but at the same time racy and vibrant. A combination of rich black fruits and quite savory aspects on the palate, tar, tobacco and wood smoke with black currants and cherries but here the emphasis really is on those herbal, medicinal aspects that give this such a serious tone but also such interest and intrigue. Lifted and bright on the palate but soft tannins letting the aromatics do all the talking. Seductive. Will be incredibly moreish in a few years. Drink 2027-2045.”

96 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“The 2019 Gruaud-Larose has a cohesive, very harmonious bouquet with crushed stone and tobacco infusing the black fruit; cedar scents surfacing with further aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a succulent entry, sweeter than expected but not cloying, licorice and touches of black pepper furnishing the long and quite decadent finish. One for the long haul. Drink 2027-2060.”