Château Gruaud Larose has a long history in the Médoc, and Saint-Julien in particular, that dates back to when the property was first owned by a knight known as Joseph Stanislas Gruaud. Later, two Gruaud brothers (one a judge, the other a priest) managed the estate profitably. In 1778 the judge's son-in-law, Joseph Sebastian de La Rose took over the château and added his name to the estate. In the 1855 Classification, Gruaud Larose was ranked as a Deuxième Cru, or 2nd Growth.

The vineyards of Gruaud Larose are planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. The vineyards are unique in that they are one of the largest contiguous blocks in Bordeaux, they are virtually unchanged since their planting in 1781, and they are on the highest point of elevation on the Saint-Julien plateau. The wine is fermented in a combination of cement tanks and wooden vats and aged in 50% new French oak barrels for about 18 months. The resultant wine is powerful and traditional in style. They age extremely well, particularly in great vintages.