CHÂTEAU LAROQUE

The 2023 Laroque might be the best wine David Suire has made since taking over here a few years ago. What I admire most about Laroque is its classicism—there is plenty of that on display here. Bright acids and persistent beams of supporting tannin frame dark-toned fruit, lavender, rose petal, graphite and sweet spice in a Saint-Émilion that impresses with its vibrancy and delineation. Superb. Tasted two times. Drinking range: 2033 - 2053 Rating: 94-96 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (May 2024)

A good yield at 46 hl/ha, of which 48% went into the grand vin, and the blend is the usual 99% Merlot with just 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 50% new oak, and the sample is drawn from about fifteen barrels, respecting the percentage of new oak. Beautifully fresh and lively aromatics on the nose here, with divinely mature and expressive dark red cherry and raspberry, with a little touch of cherry stone, orange peel, violets, crushed chalk and cedar from the barrels. A gently polished style follows on the palate, elegant, silky and serene, modest but holding up in the middle, with braids of cherry and blackcurrant fruit, cedar and tobacco, with finely grained tannins and fresh acidity. Precise and charged with energy in the finish, with lingering tannic grip. this is beautiful, treading a fine line between concentration and classicism. Tasted three times. The alcohol is 14.5%. Rating: 92-94 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2024)

Exhibiting aromas of dark, minty berries, bay leaf and creamy new oak, the 2023 Laroque is medium to full-bodied, with a sweet core of fruit, powdery tannins and a penetrating, mineral finish. Rating: 92-94 William Kelley, The Wine Advocate (Apr 2024)