Château Laroque Saint-Emilion 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

A Saint-Émilion classified growth, Laroque is a vast 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 estate. This is evident in vintages such as 2016 and 2017, which show greater refinement. 2018 marks a significant leap in quality: this estate was one of the standout discoveries of our spring 2019 tastings. Be sure to stock up right away, as this is one of the best values in the region; at less than 30 euros, it’s hard to find a better deal!

A majestic estate overlooking the eastern part of Saint-Émilion, the Beaumartin family’s vineyard produces a mineral, elegant wine that is more in keeping with the spirit of the historic terroirs surrounding the town than with that of its immediate neighbors. The vast vineyard on the edge of the plateau, planted almost entirely with Merlot, is meticulously studied and managed—since 2015 by the brilliant David Suire, who also serves as 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).

Laroque 2021 is classy, elegant, and refined. A wine of great depth and character, Laroque embodies the quintessence of Saint-Émilion’s delicacy. Silky tannins envelop a core of black cherry, plum, spices, new leather, licorice, and menthol. All the elements are beautifully balanced. 2028–2046

The nose unfolds a palette of dark, intoxicating hues, like the midnight sky: black fruits, slate, coal, and ink. On the palate, the wine is exceptionally refined, with a minerality so pronounced that it takes you by the hand and leads you on a tour of the vineyard. The fruits—graceful and composed—await you there. A marvel!

Distinctiveness, finesse, precision: here, the terroir speaks for itself—without exuberance, but with clarity. A finely chiseled profile emerges, blending powdery iris, blackberry jelly, and polished leather. The palate is lively, driven by a lovely minerality and framed by subtly chalky tannins. Vibrant and energetic, with a juicy quality—in short, a very lovely 2021.

The 2021 Laroque displays such finesse, depth, and precision in its bouquet. Delicious, chalky, and slightly creamy, the wine is supported by precise, fine-grained tannins that lend it vigor and breadth. A subtle, harmonious, refreshing, energetic, mouthwatering, and savory wine. 2026–2048

The nose offers lovely complexity and aromatic expression. It features notes of blackberry, violet, and, more subtly, ripe berries, combined with hints of cypress, pepper, and fairly ripe raspberry (with a nearly subtle roasted quality), along with subtle hints of spice, tonka bean, blueberry, and a sense of place (local biotope), as well as an imperceptible, almost briny note and a hint of herbal infusion. On the palate, it is beautifully fresh, mineral, balanced, supple, and full-bodied, offering a tangy structure, a melodious quality, a lovely textured and velvety-fresh character, as well as a pleasant tartness. It has a lovely, precise, upright, and taut structure. Everything is just right and masterfully executed. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy, juicy blackberry; juicy, fresh blackcurrant; and, more subtly, bright red berries, combined with hints of sweet blond tobacco, tonka bean, and mild spices, as well as discreet floral notes and subtle hints of vanilla. The tannins are fresh, savory, and very subtly sapid. A lovely, smooth, and deliciously savory finish.