Château Laroze Saint-Emilion 2020 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Situated at the foot of the slope to the south of the village, the 27-hectare single vineyard is planted on ancient sandy soil with a deep clay subsoil. Cultivated without chemical fertilizers or weedkillers, and now under the guidance of Hubert de Boüard, the estate has retained its unforced, natural style, but still lacks the flesh and complexity to compete with the best.

Decanter

About the wine:

Juicy and supple, with lovely fleshy tannins - not chewy, but filling the mouth with a chalky texture. I also really like the fresh blue fruit and saline touches. It's not yet the most complex, but it's fresh and spirited. Bold and full of character, it stops perhaps a little short, the texture only softening the persistence of the fruit, but it's structured and seems well crafted. It's dark and ominous, the licorice is apparent, but it will be delicious. 2025-2036

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

A complex, harmonious nose of red fruits and spices opens the tasting with elegance. This is followed by a powerful, but not harsh, structure, with freshness, tight tannins supported by good barrel ageing and a long, toasty finish. 2027-2032

About the domain :

Heir to a line of winegrowers dating back to 1610, Georges Gurchy founded the estate in 1882. His descendants, the Meslin family, are still at the helm: Guy took over from his father Georges in 1990. Classified since 1955, the cru boasts a large vineyard covering 27 ha on clayey sands, to the west of Saint-Émilion.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the domain :

Still classified since 1955, this estate, founded in 1882 by the family of Guy Meslin, the current owner, is recognized as one of Saint-Émilion's finest values. It makes the most of its hillside terroir, which is largely sandy. While some recent vintages have been unambiguous in their character, greedy but lacking in nuance, the most recent vintages mark a step forward. Full-bodied, appealing and subtle, they will express themselves early on in the amiable style to which the terroir is predisposed.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Aromas of ripe dark berries, dried herbs, lavender, cocoa and dried orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied, with juicy tannins and luscious fruit character. Structured, with an opulent, full-bodied palate and an invigorating, persistent finish. Drink after 2025.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

As usual, Laroze reveals itself slowly, especially from an olfactory point of view. Inviting fruity, floral and spicy nuances. On the palate, the wine displays great finesse, thanks to precise, velvety tannins that provide the perfect backdrop to structuring acidity. An elegant, promising wine that deserves a little cellaring. 2025-2040

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is racy, offering freshness, a little concentration and a certain power and depth. There are notes of crushed blackcurrant, fleshy boysenberry and, more lightly, strawberry, combined with hints of fleshy/ripe red berries, fresh violet and lily, as well as hints of spice, toast, zan and a discreet touch of green pepper and mocha. The palate is fruity, balanced and discreetly tight, offering greediness, a juicy/acidic structure, tension (with finesse), concentration, good definition and structure. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of pulpy/full-bodied wild blackcurrant, juicy/fresh black berries and, more lightly, bright raspberry, combined with touches of black berries, violet, cardamom, zan, as well as hints of spice, mocha and a subtle hint of roasted almond. The tannins are precise, fine, elegant and structuring.

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Intense purple color with violet highlights and black core. Expressive nose with aromas reminiscent of mocha and dark chocolate, smoky minerality, blackberries and brambleberries, juicy plums, pepper and bay leaf in the background. Well-structured palate with ripe tannins, soft acidity, great freshness and aromatic depth. A wine with density and length.

Bernard Burtschy

About the wine:

Dark garnet in color, with intense raspberry aromas from a superb Cabernet Franc. The wine is light and supple, full of charm, with good length and no heaviness whatsoever, a small miracle of balance.