Château Laroque Saint-Emilion 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

A Saint-Émilion classified growth, Laroque is a sprawling 61-hectare vineyard that produces a robust wine, built more on structure than 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

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-driven, 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:

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 elements are beautifully balanced. 2028–2046

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

The nose unfolds a palette of dark, intoxicating tones, reminiscent of the midnight sky: black fruits, slate, charcoal, 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!

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

Distinctiveness, finesse, precision: here, the terroir speaks for itself, without exuberance but with clarity. A finely crafted 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.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

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

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

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 (almost discreetly roasted), 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 tea. The palate is beautifully fresh, mineral, balanced, supple, and full-bodied, offering a lively acidity, a melodious quality, a lovely textured/velvety-fresh character, and a pleasant tartness. A lovely, precise, upright, and taut structure. Everything is in perfect balance 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. Lovely fresh, savory, and very subtly sapid tannins. A lovely, smooth finish that is deliciously savory.