Crème de cassis and black raspberry fruits intermixed with spring flowers, graphite, tobacco leaf, and spicy wood all emerge from the 2025 Château Gruaud Larose, a deep purple-hued Saint-Julien based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc that's resting in 80% new French oak. This beauty stopped me in my tracks with its sheer class and purity. Full-bodied on the palate, it has a layered, graceful mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and a great finish, all grounded by a remarkable sense of balance and elegance. It checks in at 13.47% alcohol with a pH of 3.71. This is a heavenly Saint-Julien that brings the richness of the vintage alongside an unmistakable sense of class. Bravo! - 97 to 99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

Superb in both its aroma and texture, it impresses with the harmony of its elements. A new top priority thanks to its exceptional quality and consistently reasonable pricing. 97 to 98 Points - Bettane & Desseauve

(Saint-Julien; 77% Cabernet Sauvignon; 21% Merlot; 2% Cabernet Franc; a final yield of 26 hl/ha; pH 3.71; 13.5% alcohol; tasted at the property with Virginie Sallette). Resplendent in the special label to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the property, founded in 1725. Graphite and cedar, a dark peony and iris florality, wild rosemary and violet, black cherries and damsons with a little bramble. Walnut shell, a little black olive. This has a gentle and very natural sweetness hinting at the solar nature of the vintage (and the accumulated hours of sunshine). Aristocratic in a lovely St Julien way. Very creamy in the mid-palate and with a gorgeous, succulent, texture. Quite ample with sheets of cashmere layered one on top of another, lots of depth and range and a lovely tactile touch of tannin. Slightly rippling on the long tapering finish with a little chalkyness in the delicate caress from the tannins that hint at the significant aging potential of this great wine. - 96 to 98 Points - Colin Hay

Château Gruaud Larose 2025, a true love you would never want to miss once encountered. Even “like a gentle spring breeze” falls short of capturing its beauty. The palate is remarkably fresh, carried by a natural allure that draws you effortlessly into its rhythm. Bayberry and black cherry unfold first, setting off fine, layered ripples across the senses; soon after, cinnamon and sea salt seem finely crushed, drifting from the glass and scattering their spice through the air. The tannins, as fine as powdered pearl, carry a precise texture, yet vanish as soon as you reach for them, like an unseen wing gliding along the edge of perception. In that fleeting moment, I feel myself transformed into a winged angel, slowly lifting free from the pull of gravity… - 96 to 98 Points - Alexandre Ma

Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque, almost inky core, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Notes of licorice and hibiscus, hints of cassis, dark wild berries, fine herbal spice, some precious wood. Taut, complex and elegant, pure black forest berries, silky tannins, mineral-salty, very good length and freshness, remains very persistent, has definite ageing potential. - Peter Moser