Why it matters
The producer
Four families have led Château Gruaud Larose across its history: the Gruaud and Larose families, the Balguerie and Sarget families, the Cordier family, and the Merlaut family. The estate was founded in 1725. In 1997, Jacques Merlaut bought it through the Taillan Group.
The château also maintains four beehives and 4.4 km of hedges, with 3,500 plants from 27 species. These features sit within the estate's biodynamic farming practices.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Saint-Julien is the appellation in Bordeaux's Médoc region where Château Gruaud Larose is located. The château sits on the highest point of the Saint-Julien plateau, 18 metres above sea level. Gravel extends down over 5 metres in some places.
Wines to know
The range in view
The range has a grand vin and a second label. Château Gruaud Larose is the grand vin, with approximately 300,000 bottles produced annually. Sarget de Gruaud Larose is the second label, with 190,000 bottles.
Sarget 2014 is a red Saint-Julien wine. Its aromas are ripe black fruit, cassis, strawberry and very ripe plum, alongside spice, flowers, grilled notes and mocha.