Sarget de Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 2020 (13.5% ABV) — 90
SF | Dense pigmentation and a serious nose, dominated by forest floor, incense and spices; thyme and rosemary come to mind. The subliminal quality of the fruit never in doubt, but one can only marvel at its quality in this famous second wine, which today effortlessly outperforms its putative ranking. The tannins are seamless in their elegance, the acidity supple and supportive but never intrusive. Impressive indeed! 93
AJ | Dark black-red. Gently curranty, but without the focus and gathered purity of the best. A touch vegetal. The palate reflects the nose, and there are certainly better second wines this year, though the drama of 2020's St Julien fruit makes it worth a look for all that.Drink Dates: 2026 - 2033.