Château Gruaud Larose 2024

The terroir is distinguished by the average age of the vines, which stands at 49 years, testifying to incomparable maturity and richness. This Domaine covers 82 hectares in a single block, guaranteeing remarkable consistency and homogeneity in production. The soils, composed of type 3 Garonne gravel from the Quaternary period, deposited over 600,000 years ago, provide an ideal substrate for vine growing, giving the grapes unique characteristics and exceptional aromatic depth.

The viticultural year was marked by special climatic conditions. From mid-April onwards, cooler-than-normal temperatures slowed the vegetative development of the vines, requiring increased vigilance on the part of winegrowers. September was marked by heavy rain, which slowed down the ripening of the grapes. However, the patience and expertise of the winegrowers were rewarded, enabling them to reach optimum ripeness and begin harvesting on September 27.

The harvest, entirely manual, was carried out with meticulous care, including four levels of sorting, including optical sorting, to guarantee selection of the best grapes. The rhythm of harvesting was intensified, with 12 days of picking, in order to pRéserver the optimum quality of the fruit. A plot-by-plot and intra-plot selection was carried out, thanks to the use of small vats ranging from 55 to 130 hectolitres, enabling precise vinification adapted to each plot.

The vats, made entirely of wood and temperature-controlled, were filled with precisely selected yeasts. Fermentation temperatures were maintained between 24°C and 28°C, to ensure optimal Extraction of polyphenols, essential for the wine's structure and complexity. Each vat was tasted on a daily basis, allowing for tailor-made Extractions thanks to pumping-over and forced-air cane techniques. Three vertical presses were used to fill the press wine into barrels.

Each barrel was then tasted and divided into different quality levels, before being aged for 18 months in 95% new French oak barrels. This rigorous and demanding process enhances the aromas and reveals the full richness of this exceptional terroir.