Lot 304
CHÂTEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE 1982 (1) 98 WA
CHÂTEAU LA TOUR HAUT-BRION 1982 (1) 96 WA
Lot 304 Details
CHÂTEAU GRUAUD-LAROSE 1982 (1)
Saint-Julien. 2ième Cru Classé
u. ts.
A massive wine that is clearly of first-growth quality in this vintage, the 1982 Gruaud Larose remains a youngster. A broodingly dense, thick, unctuously textured, inky/plum/garnet/purple color offers up scents of beef blood, steak tartare, cassis, herbs, tobacco, and underbrush. One of the most concentrated wines of the vintage (as well as one of the most concentrated Bordeaux’s I have ever tasted), it is a huge, full-bodied, weighty, rich wine whose tannins are getting silkier and silkier. It appears set for another 30-40 years of life. This behemoth is a singularly profound example of Gruaud Larose that continues to justify its legendary status. Anticipated maturity: now-2050. WA 98
CHÂTEAU LA TOUR HAUT-BRION 1982 (1)
Pessac-Léognan.
u. hs.
Tasted at Chez Bruce in London. The 1982 La Tour Haut-Brion, which I have tasted numerous times, has long been one of the lesser-known gems of the vintage. This bottle was, incidentally, served blind against the 1982 La Mission Haut Brion. The first thing that I noticed was the sheer harmony expressed by the aromatics. There remain those enticing scents of black olive and a brine-like—perhaps seaweed (kelp)—aroma that infuse that black fruit. With time, perhaps this particular bottle showed more floral aromas and a touch of bay leaf. The palate is fresh on the entry—though still more introspective than La Mission—and embroidered with fine tannin and a firm, gravelly, tobacco-infused finish that gently grips the mouth. You can still feel this long after the wine has departed. It is simply a great Graves that, at 34-years of age, shows no signs of slowing down. Tasted June 2016. Drink: 2017-2040 WA 96