Château Laroque Saint-Emilion 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

A Saint-Emilion Cru Classé, Laroque is a vast 61-hectare vineyard that produces a solid wine with more structure than finesse. The arrival of David Suire, who works with Nicolas Thienpont on the first Saint-Emilion wines, has given this estate a new lease of life. This is perceptible on vintages like 2016 and 2017, where there is more refinement. 2018 marks a significant qualitative progression: this estate is one of the revelations of our spring 2019 tastings. Reserve it now, as it's one of the best value wines in the sector; at less than 30 euros, it's hard to beat it!

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the domain :

A majestic estate dominating the eastern Saint-Emilion region, the Beaumartin family cru produces a slender, limestone wine, closer in spirit to the historic terroirs surrounding the city than to its immediate neighbors. The vast vineyard on the edge of the plateau, almost entirely devoted to Merlot, has been meticulously studied and managed, since 2015 by the brilliant David Suire, incidentally Nicolas Thienpont's right-hand man. Recent vintages have proved particularly successful, in a style that is both full-bodied and chiselled, very elegant and dynamic, with 2016 as the high point. Earlier vintages, vinified by Bruno Sainson, are full of surprises (magnificent 2000).

Vinous

About the wine:

Laroque 2021 is classy, elegant and refined. A wine of great scope and breed, Laroque represents the quintessential delicacy of Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins envelop a core of black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All elements are very well balanced. 2028-2046

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

The nose unfurls a cameo of dark tones, as intoxicating as the midnight sky: black fruits, slate, charcoal, ink. On the palate, the wine is extremely fine, with a minerality so present that it grabs you by the hand and takes you on a tour of the vineyard. Graceful, poised fruit awaits you. A marvel!

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

Distinction, finesse, precision: it's the terroir that speaks here, without exuberance but with clarity. A chiseled profile emerges, between powdery iris, blackberry jelly and waxed leather. The palate is tonic, propelled by a beautiful minerality and hemmed in by subtly chalky tannins. Bright and energetic, juicy, in short a very pretty 2021.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

The bouquet of Laroque 2021 is full of finesse, depth and precision. Crisp, chalky and slightly creamy, the wine is carried by precise, fine-grained tannins that offer vigor and breadth. Subtle, harmonious, refreshing, energetic, salivating and sapid. 2026-2048

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose offers lovely complexity and aromatic expression. Notes of blackberry, violet and, more lightly, ripe berries are combined with hints of cypress, pepper, fairly ripe raspberry (almost discreetly roasted), subtle hints of spice, tonka bean, blueberry, sense of place (local biotop) and an imperceptible hint of iodine and infusion. The palate is nicely fresh, mineral, balanced, supple, full-bodied and offers an acidic frame, a melodious side, a lovely textured / velvety-fresh side as well as a lovely acidity. A lovely, precise grain, straight and taut. Precise and masterful. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, juicy/fresh blackcurrant and, more lightly, bright red berries, combined with hints of sweet blond tobacco, tonka bean, sweet spices, as well as discreet floral and subtle vanilla hints. Lovely fresh tannins, sapid and very discreetly sappy. A lovely mellow and deliciously sapid finish.