2021 Château Laroque
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Tasting notes
Ch. Laroque is a rising star of Saint-Emilion. Under David Suire’s direction, the wine has become the best-value buy in the region – and it’s no different in 2021. The nose is very expressive, full of ripe fruit with hints of chocolate and cherries. The palate is medium-bodied with layers of plush dark fruit and striking minerality. The tannins slowly fade away to leave a long and precise finish. Picking only in October, they achieved 13.5% natural alcohol and didn’t need to chaptalise, producing a wine of great concentration and body. Another exceptional wine from David Suire, that offers remarkable value. Blend: 99% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Some ripeness and freshness too. But a bit tough on the end and without a real fruity core in the middle. (JR)
The 2021 Château Laroque is another seamless, elegant wine from this larger château that readers will love. Based on just about 100% Merlot (I think there's a small amount of Cabernet Franc) brought up in 50% new oak, its vivid purple hue is followed by a lively, fresh nose of cassis and berry fruit interwoven with spring flowers, violets, and obvious minerality. Coming from a cooler, limestone terroir, it's never the biggest or richest wine in a vintage, yet its purity of fruit is exceptional, and it has polished tannins and just a remarkable sense of finesse and elegance. Give bottles 3-4 years if you can and enjoy over the following 15+.
The 2021 Laroque has a well-defined, complex bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, loam and tobacco scents, a touch of damp undergrowth emerging with time, The palate is medium-bodied with a sapid entry and fine acidity, slightly powdery in texture with a hint of Japanese nori on the finish. This is well worth seeking out.
About the producer
Ch. Laroque is a Saint-Emilion fine wine estate which takes its name from the plateau of limestone rock on which it sits.