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 chateau also produces a second wine, Sarget de Gruaud Larose.

The 2009 Sarget de Gruaud Larose Ex-Chateau 2021 is a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed region of St Julien in Bordeaux, France. This red wine is produced by Sarget de Gruaud Larose and features a cork closure with an alcohol content of 13.5%.

This vintage has garnered positive attention from wine critics. Decanter awarded the wine a score of 90 points, describing it as "a spicy and fat, rich wine, atypical of Bordeaux." The review highlights the wine's notable characteristics, including its grip and depth of flavor. The blackcurrant coulis character and menthol edging are particularly noteworthy, contributing to the wine's balance and complexity.

The 2009 Bordeaux vintage is often celebrated for its richness and aging potential, and this offering from Sarget de Gruaud Larose seems to align well with that reputation. The wine's deep, rich flavors suggest a robust profile that stands out even among its Bordeaux peers. Decanter's mention of the wine being "atypical of Bordeaux" may intrigue those who are familiar with the region's traditional styles, indicating that this bottle offers something unique.

In summary, the 2009 Sarget de Gruaud Larose Ex-Chateau 2021 is a well-balanced, rich red wine with a blend of spicy and menthol notes, underpinned by a blackcurrant coulis character. With a solid score from Decanter, this wine is a commendable choice for those looking to explore a slightly unconventional Bordeaux blend.