In the 18th century the property was owned by the Gruaud brothers and was slightly larger with 115 hectares. One of the brother's son-in-law, Monsieur de Larose, took over the property and worked tirelessly to promote the wine, which eventually came to be served at the royal table, giving rise to the famous inscription that still appears on the label, le roi des vins, le vin des rois (“the king of wines, the wine of kings).

This description is well-deserved, Gruaud-Larose being recognized for many years as Saint Julien's most massive wine, and as taking the longest to evolve.  

A little over half Cabernet Sauvignon some Merlot and minor parts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

Still in the original timber case these have excellent labels and very high fill levels in the top shoulder.