2021 Chateau Laroque Saint Emilion Grand Cru

• "A Quintessentially Finessed Saint-Émilion" ~94 VM
• "Elegant Wine That Readers Will Love" ~JD
• "This Has Turned Out Very Nicely in Bottle" ~WA
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About the Wine

Chateau Laroque's story begins in the 12th century when a small tower was erected, laying the foundation for what would become an illustrious winemaking tradition. Fast forward to the 17th century, and the magnificent Chateau we know today was brought to life by the visionary Marquis de Rochefort-Lavie. 

But, even the grandest estates faced their trials. In 1929, the Great Depression cast a shadow, and Chateau Laroque ceased its wine production. The vineyards lay dormant, waiting for a renaissance.

In 1935, the Beaumartin family acquired the estate, breathing new life into Chateau Laroque. The 1962 replanting of vineyards and winery updates set the stage for a brighter future. And the transformation truly began in 2015, when Chateau Laroque reclaimed its place in the world of fine wines.

Lush, sprawling, and meticulously cared for, Chateau Laroque's 61-hectare vineyard boasts 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. The terroir's clay and limestone soil impart a unique character to the grapes. Of these hectares, 40 are classified as Grand Cru Classe, while the remaining 21 shine as St. Emilion Grand Cru. But within those hallowed 40, only 27 are chosen to craft the pinnacle – Chateau Laroque.

At Chateau Laroque, nature reigns supreme. The vineyard thrives under 100% organic techniques, though the estate remains humbly unbound by certification. Biodiversity is the name of the game, and they are proud holders of the HVE certification.

In 2015, Chateau Laroque embarked on a mission to produce world-class wines. Guided by the capable hand of David Suire, a Bordeaux luminary, the estate's future is brighter than ever.

Tasting Notes

99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

Reviews

The 2021 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of stature and breeding, Laroque is a quintessentially finessed Saint-Émilion. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol. All the elements are very nicely balanced. ~94 Vinous Media

The 2021 Château Laroque is another seamless, elegant wine from this larger château that readers will love. Based on just about 100% Merlot (I think there's a small amount of Cabernet Franc) brought up in 50% new oak, its vivid purple hue is followed by a lively, fresh nose of cassis and berry fruit interwoven with spring flowers, violets, and obvious minerality. Coming from a cooler, limestone terroir, it's never the biggest or richest wine in a vintage, yet its purity of fruit is exceptional, and it has polished tannins and just a remarkable sense of finesse and elegance. Give bottles 3-4 years if you can and enjoy over the following 15+. ~93+ Jeb Dunnuck

Spiced red cherries, plums, graphite, cocoa powder and a touch of mineral. Medium-bodied palate with fine, silky tannins and a juicy, nuanced finish. Elegant and polished. Drink now but can hold, too. ~93 James Suckling

The 2021 Laroque opens in the glass with aromas of dark, minty berries, orange zest and toasty oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered palate with a sweet core of fruit, supple tannins and a long, mineral finish. This has turned out very nicely in bottle, and given its low-pH profile, it's likely to reward some bottle age. ~92+ Robert Parker's Wine Advocate