A barrel sample made up of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31.5% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Gruaud Larose offers a lifted nose of violets and kirsch over a core of cassis, baked plums and black raspberries with hints of cigar box, menthol and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied, elegant and very finely structured with ripe tannins and lovely freshness, it has loads of vibrant red and black fruits with a mineral-laced finish. RP