"Gruaud Larose can produce wines that are both elegant and intense." — William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
Chateau Gruaud Larose is one of only five Saint-Julien chateaux designated Second Growth status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Its rich history contains one of Bordeaux's most volatile stories, transforming from a coveted estate to an underdeveloped investment, and back again to one of the region's finest. The Merlaut family now owns the chateau as part of the Taillon Group, producing harmonious and silky Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blends at an approachable price point for Bordeaux drinkers.
Chateau Gruaud Larose: 18th Century Origin
Chateau Gruaud Larose was founded in 1725 by the knight Joseph Stanislas Gruaud, who managed the estate until 1781. The chateau was then inherited by his family member, Sebastien de Larose, who added his last name to the title. Twenty years later, however, Gruaud Larose was sold to the Balguerie and Sarget families, who separated the chateau into two entities: Chateau Gruaud Larose Sarget and Chateau Gruaud Larose Bethmann. Under the family's guidance, Gruaud Larose was classified a Second Growth, joining Chateau Leoville Las Cases, Leoville Poyferre, Leoville Barton, and Ducru-Beaucaillou as the only five Saint Julien estates in the designation.
After a century of success, ownership of Gruaud Larose passed hands once more, as Desire Cordier acquired the chateau in 1935. The new ownership also marked the official reunion of the split entities, which have remained conjoined since. Nearly fifty years passed under Cordier's leadership, when the Suez Company bought his shares in 1983, marking a stark decline until 1990. The Suez Company paid little attention to Chateau Gruaud Larose and treated the estate as an investment, prioritizing high-quantity production over high-quality wines. Consequently, the vineyard went to ruin, and the chateau's reputation faltered. It was not until 1997, when the Merlaut family purchased the estate and added to the Taillon Group, that Chateau Gruaud Larose returned to Bordeaux prominence.
Gruaud Larose joined fellow Bordeaux estates, Chateau La Gurge, Haut-Bages Liberal, Citran, Ferriere, Chasse Spleem, and Rabaud Promis under the group's portfolio. Similar to its sibling chateaux, Gruaud Larose received major renovations, including vineyard replanting and vinification upheaval. Since the investments, Gruaud Larose consistently produces wines of 95 points or higher, challenging top Super Seconds from Saint Julien.
Gruaud Larose Saint Julien: Terroir and Vineyard
Chateau Gruaud Larose owns 82 hectares in the south of the Médoc's Saint Julien appellation. The chateau borders Chateau Lagrange to the west and Saint-Pierre and Beychevelle to the east, and is relatively close to Branaire-Ducru and Ducru-Beaucaillou. Its vineyard primarily consists of gravel banks, pebbles, and sandy clay soil that lie on top of limestone subsoil. Plantings comprise 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petiti Verdot. The vineyard used to contain small amounts of Malbec, however, the Merlaut family replanted 50% of the vineyard, heavily increasing the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon vines and hoping to inch the number closer to 70% of total plantings.
Around 8,500 to 10,000 vines are planted per hectare, resulting in highly concentrated fruit from the 50-year-old vines. Furthermore, the soil's poor water retention, combined with the dry and hot summer months, forces the vines to struggle and produce low yields. To aid the vines' health, the Gruaud Larose winemaking team has switched to organic farming methods and was officially certified in August 2022. When sauntering through the site, lambs grazing cover crops, trees promoting natural ecosystems, and bats deterring pests can all be sighted.
Gruaud Larose: Second Growth Winemaking
Gruaud Larose possesses one of the Médoc's greatest winemaking teams and strictest winemaking processes. Heralded winemaker Arnaud Fredreric served as Commercial Director until 2018, before leaving for Chateau Montrose. He was born and raised on the property, as his father was the vineyard manager for over 30 years. Virginie Sallette succeeded Frederic in 2023 and worked on the winemaking team beginning with the 2018 vintage. Under Sallette, the team manually picks each harvest, selects the fruit from two sorting selections, and then vinifies each varietal, terroir, and aged vine separately. After being transported to the tanks, the blends are tasted twice a day, then aged in 80% new French oak for 18-24 months. Production results in 150,000 bottles for the flagship cuvèe and 250,000 bottles for the second label.
Gruaud Larose: Wine Portfolio
Chateau Gruaud Larose produces one of the most harmonious and silkiest blends in all of Bordeaux, fusing structured tannins with incredible freshness. Top vintages have been compared to First Growth wines by top critics like Robert Parker, with top vintages ranging from 1961, 1982, 1986, 1990, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015-2020.
Sarget de Gruaud Larose
Gruaud Larose's second wine, Sarget de Gruaud Larose, was first produced in the 1981 vintage using fruit deemed below the Grand Vin standard, but still excellent for usage. The wine is often regarded as one of Bordeaux's best "sibling" wines, offering a medium to full-bodied profile, plum and dark cherry bouquet, and finely grained tannins.
The wine was named after one of the estate's earliest proprietors, the Sarget family, paying homage to Gruaud Larose's deep history.
Gruaud Larose 1982
The 1982 Gruaud Larose Grand Vin represents a profound Bordeaux vintage, which featured some of the greatest efforts of the 20th century. The bottle was mistaken as a First Growth wine by many drinkers and remains one of the vintages most coveted wines. Four decades on, the 1982 Gruaud Larose is showing better than ever, with brooding tertiary notes dominating the nose, complex earthy notes on the palate, and elegant and integrated tannins. Despite its age, many believe the bottle will still hold up for at least two more decades.
Gruaud Larose 1961
The 1961 Gruaud Larose is possibly the estate's greatest effort, revealing a vibrant and balanced wine almost 65 years after its birth. Rustic aromas dominate the nose and palate, and bottles can go up to $8,500 on the market, making it one of Bordeaux's most collectible wines.
Gruaud Larose 2020
The 2020 Gruaud Larose has been noted as one of the estate's finest recent releases, receiving 98 points from Decanter Magazine, and 96-point scores from James Suckling, Jeb Dunnuck, and The Wine Advocate's William Kelley, respectively. The wine was praised as a rich and concentrated effort that will likely enter its prime drinking window in 20-30 years.
Grab a Bottle of Chateau Gruaud Larose
Indulge in the timeless allure of this traditional-styled Saint-Julien that embodies exceptional quality. Experience Gruaud-Larose's exceptional 2010 for around $100, allowing you to savor the essence of luxury without breaking the bank (Want more age? Try the 2001 vintage!). Priced at just a fraction of a First Growth, this wine presents an irresistible opportunity to secure an extraordinary investment.
