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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
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From an estate that continues to fire on all cylinders, the 2021 Château Laroque checks in as just about all Merlot (there's a splash of Cabernet Franc) that's pulled from just 45% of the total production and spends 18 months in 50% new barrels. Beautiful black raspberry, cassis, white flowers, and chalky mineral notes all define the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant mouthfeel, impressive tannins, and a great finish. It shows the cooler, fresher style of the vintage, yet I suspect the pH is solid, and it offers plenty of fruit. I'd be a buyer.
The 2021 Laroque is a standout. Bright and racy, with tremendous persistence, Laroque stakes its claim as Saint-Émilion's brightest rising star. Bright limestone accents run through a core of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint and white pepper. There is a linear intensity to Laroque that is hugely appealing. Technical Director David Suire fashioned a gem. Don't miss it.
The 2021 Laroque has upped its game in recent vintages under David Suire. It was cropped between 1 and 15 October at 41hL/ha, and matured in 50% new oak. It has a refined bouquet with brambly red fruit, light undergrowth and mineral scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, poised and again, mineral-driven thanks to its limestone soils. This latest release continues that fine run of form but will be more approachable than recent vintages.
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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.