Chateau Gruaud Larose was established in the 18th century in the commune of Saint-Julien, when Joseph Stanislas Gruaud united three of his estates under the name of “Fonbedeau”, also called Gruaud. He left the property upon his death to Monsieur de Larose, and in 1781 the name of the new owner was added to that of its predecessor.

When Monsieur de Larose died, the estate was divided among his heirs and the property was split into separate estates. Desire Cordier bought the first two shares, and in 1935 bought the last remaining estate. The property was then reconstituted covering 137 hectares of which 68 are under vine. The company changed hands in 1982, 1993, and again in 1997, when the Merlaut family, already owners of several Medoc cru estates, bought Gruaud Larose.

Today, the Gruaud Larose vineyard is composed of the noble Bordeaux varieties, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (7%) and Petit Verdot (3%). The average age of the vines of Gruaud Larose is about forty years, although the most ancient of these are nearly 100 years old.

The 1999 Chateau Gruaud Larose, a Bordeaux Blend from the renowned St Julien sub-region in Bordeaux, France, is a red wine produced by Gruaud Larose. It boasts an alcohol content of 12.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure. The wine, now over two decades old, carries the hallmarks of its vintage and region, offering a glimpse into the aging potential and complexity of Bordeaux blends.

In a review published on May 31, 2010, Wine Spectator awarded the 1999 Chateau Gruaud Larose a score of 90 points. The reviewer highlighted the wine's aromatic profile, noting that it "delivers lots of blackberry, mineral and mint on the nose." This suggests a rich and layered bouquet that is both inviting and representative of its terroir.

On the palate, the wine is described as "full-bodied, with plenty of fruit and racy, polished tannins on the finish." This indicates a well-structured wine with a robust fruit presence, balanced by its refined tannins. The mention of "racy, polished tannins" suggests a smooth texture and a finish that leaves a lasting impression.

The review also touches on the wine's aging potential, stating, "This can go on for many years. But why wait?" This implies that while the wine is currently drinking well, it also has the potential to evolve and develop further complexity with additional aging. The reviewer adds that 21,500 cases were made, indicating a relatively large production for a wine of this caliber.

In summary, the 1999 Chateau Gruaud Larose is a noteworthy Bordeaux Blend that showcases the classic characteristics of its region and vintage. With its complex nose, full-bodied palate, and polished tannins, it is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment. The strong review from Wine Spectator underscores its quality and appeal to wine enthusiasts.