Les Tours de Laroque Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 - Second vin

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

A Saint-Émilion classified growth, Laroque is a sprawling 61-hectare vineyard that produces a robust wine, characterized more by its structure than by its finesse. The arrival of David Suire, who works alongside Nicolas Thienpont on the top Saint-Émilion estates, has breathed new life into this domaine. This is evident in vintages like 2016 and 2017, which show greater refinement. 2018 marks a significant leap in quality: this domaine is one of the standout discoveries of our spring 2019 tastings. Be sure to stock up, as this is one of the best values in the sector; at under 30 euros, it’s hard to find a better deal!

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Made from 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc grown on vines over 50 years old, the medium-to-dark garnet-purple 2016 Les Tours de Laroque opens with lovely aromas of raspberry coulis, black cherry, and warm plum, with underlying notes of mushrooms, black earth, crushed pepper, and a hint of beef broth. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, elegant and fresh, with a firm line of grainy tannins, it offers a graceful, earthy finish.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

A majestic estate overlooking eastern Saint-Émilion, the Beaumartin family’s vineyard produces a mineral, elegant wine that is more closely aligned with the spirit of the historic terroirs surrounding the town than with those of its immediate neighbors. The vast vineyard on the edge of the plateau, almost entirely planted with Merlot, is meticulously studied and managed, since 2015 by the brilliant David Suire, who is also Nicolas Thienpont’s right-hand man. The most recent vintages have proven particularly successful, offering a style that is both full-bodied and refined, very elegant and dynamic, with 2016 standing out as the highlight. Earlier vintages, vinified by Bruno Sainson, hold some wonderful surprises (the magnificent 2000).

Vinous

About the wine:

Les Tours de Laroque 2016 is a pleasant, fruity wine that can be enjoyed now and over the next few years, while the cherry and plum flavors retain their freshness and juiciness.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Concentrated, pure aromas of blueberries and blackcurrants with plenty of floral notes, such as violets. Full-bodied, firm, and velvety, with firm tannins and a savory finish. Best enjoyed starting in 2022.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Les Tours de Laroque 2016 is a beautifully elegant and silky second wine that offers wonderful notes of blackcurrant and black raspberry, subtle hints of tobacco and earthy minerals, as well as a touch of spring flowers. Elegant, medium-bodied, well-balanced, and incredibly silky, it will age gracefully for a decade or more.