Château Laroque Saint-Emilion 2021 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

A Saint-Émilion classified growth, Laroque is a vast 61-hectare vineyard that produces a robust wine, more structured than refined. The arrival of David Suire, who works with Nicolas Thienpont on the premier cru wines of Saint-Emilion, has given new impetus to this estate. This is evident in vintages such as 2016 and 2017, which show greater refinement. 2018 marks a significant improvement in quality: this estate was one of the revelations of our spring 2019 tastings. Be sure to reserve it quickly, as it is one of the best value wines in the sector; at less than $30, it seems difficult to do better!

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 slender, chalky wine that is closer in spirit to the historic terroirs surrounding the town 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, who is also Nicolas Thienpont's right-hand man. The latest vintages have been particularly successful, with a style that is both full-bodied and refined, very elegant and dynamic, with 2016 as the highlight. Previous vintages, vinified by Bruno Sainson, hold some wonderful surprises (magnificent 2000).

Vinous

About wine:

Laroque 2021 is classy, elegant, and refined. A wine of great stature and pedigree, Laroque represents 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 very well balanced. 2028-2046

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About wine:

The nose reveals a range of dark tones, as intoxicating as the midnight sky: black fruits, slate, charcoal, ink. On the palate, the wine is extremely refined, with a minerality so present 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 wine:

Distinction, finesse, precision: it is the terroir that speaks here, without exuberance but with clarity. A chiseled profile emerges, between powdered iris, blackberry jelly, and waxed leather. The palate is invigorating, propelled by beautiful minerality and edged with subtly chalky tannins. Brightness and energy, juiciness—in short, a very nice 2021.

Yves Beck

About wine:

What finesse, depth, and precision in the bouquet of Laroque 2021. Delicious, chalky, and slightly creamy, the wine is carried by precise, fine-grained tannins that offer vigor and breadth. A subtle, harmonious, refreshing, energetic, mouthwatering, and sapid wine. 2026-2048

Vert de Vin

About wine:

The nose offers a very attractive complexity and aromatic expression. There are notes of blackberry, violet and, more subtly, ripe berries combined with hints of cypress, pepper, fairly ripe raspberry (almost discreetly roasted), subtle hints of spice, tonka bean, blueberry, a sense of place (local biotope) and an imperceptible hint of iodine and infusion. The palate is beautifully fresh, mineral, balanced, supple, and full-bodied, offering a tangy structure, a melodious quality, a lovely textured/velvety-fresh aspect, and a pleasant acidity. A lovely, precise, straight, and taut texture. All precision and mastery. 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, sweet spices, discreet floral notes and subtle hints of vanilla. Lovely fresh, sapid and very discreetly sappy tannins. A lovely, mellow and deliciously sapid finish.