1992 - Gruaud Larose, Saint-Julien

The 1992 Gruaud Larose has retained a youthful color with just a faint degradation on the rim. The nose has a leafy tincture, although there is a respectable amount of fruit: blackberry, boysenberry, leather and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied and is not as attractive as the nose. The tannins are solid rather than elegant, and they sag a little in the middle. It has good substance for a 1992, but the finish is austere, lacks freshness after twenty years, and lacks persistence. It comes across as a little dour and moribund. Tasted in April 2012 at the "-2 vintage" vertical at the château.