Chateau Gruaud Larose 2010

Description

VINEYARD MANAGEMENT Integrated Pest Control mechanical work, organic fertilisation, Weather Station phytosanitary protection, Prophylaxis thinning out the leaves, removal of excess buds and shoots, green harvest. Heightening of the trellis. Manual harvesting, selection on a belt in the vineyard and double sorting at the harvest reception.SOIL Garonne gravel from the first quaternary, settled more than 600 000 years ago.CLIMATE 2010 A precocious and relatively rapid flowering beginning of June followed by a satisfactory berry set among all the varieties except the merlot that was affected by flower abortion and berry-shot. July was hot sunny and dry which caused a slowdown and a stop in the growth of the vine at the beginning of veraison. Ideal ripening of all the varieties overall thanks to exceptionally dry August and September without excessive heat. Ideal harvest from first to last day allowing picking of each variety at optimum oenological maturity.VINIFICATION 2010Harvest reception Double reception of harvest and weighing of the crop. Plot selection in the tank grape variety, terroir, age,Alcoholic fermentation Yeast addition | Fermentation temperatures 24C – 29C | Daily tasting of each tankPumping-over 2 volumes a day during fermentationMaceration 20 – 26 days at adapted temperatures and according to the tastingRunning off According to tasting and analysesPressing 3 vertical presses | Immediate transfer of the press wine into barrels | Tasting and selection of three press wines among the barrels.Malolactic fermentation With the grape pomace to favour a quick running off into barrelsAgeing 16 months in French, fine grain, oak barrels, renewed by 50% every year to enhance the fruit | Medium toastTASTING Shiny, garnet red colour with purplish highlights. The nose is very complex and intense. It evolves from elegant exotic aromas sandalwood, notes of vanilla, spices, coffee, piquillos finishing on a note of blackcurrant jelly. The mouth is delicious although the woody flavours are still dominating due to its youth. One perceives notes of ripe fruit, dark chocolate and mocha. The wine is rich and powerful. Great finesse and elegance. Fine balance. Among the greatest vintages of Chateau Gruaud Larose. 2012 – Chateau Gruaud Larose