2020 Sarget de Gruaud Larose (St-Julien)

The tannins make their presence felt from the first moments, giving both depth and spice but also a certain constriction. This is not a year for exuberant second wines in St-Julien - there are well-framed black fruits, some fresh St-Julien balance, but a little sombre overall. 60% of overall production. Cabernet Franc 3% completes the blend. A yield of 31hl/ha. 90 points

Red-fruit nose and subtle gravel; medium-full, crisp in acidity, moderate in tannin, a fairly firm wine, especially for a second label; red-fruit ripe, slightly austere, moderate complexity, moderate length. Not an easy second wine, on the austere side. It will doubtless mellow, but it will need several years. Drink 2027–35+. 87–88 points