Chateau Gruaud Larose 2016, St. Julien (1x75cl)

Saint-Julien sits between Margaux and Pauillac and tends to borrow from both - enough structure to feel serious, enough charm to be drinkable. Gruaud-Larose is one of the names Hong Kong drinkers already know, which makes 2016 an easy gift bottle.

Still young for a wine like this. It'll open up with an hour or two in a decanter now, or you can put it away for a few more years. Either way it works for Mid-Autumn dinners and client gifts where the label matters.

Tasting notes

Saint-Julien blends are typically Cabernet Sauvignon dominant with Merlot, usually showing cassis and dark cherry, cedar box and a little tobacco, with tannins that are firm but polished. At under ten years old this style generally still leads with fruit rather than age.