A limestone paradise, Laroque’s vines are over 50 years old and form an incomparable genetic heritage; the precision and diversity of which bring about a purity of expression and authenticity in the wines. A soil study on Laroque’s 54 hectares confirmed the estate’s outstanding terroir, in which different “climats” (small vineyard areas) were mapped out, enabling the right choice of grape variety to be made and the best possible grape ripeness to be achieved.
Over a large part of the area immediately surrounding the château, the plateau’s limestone rock comes close to the surface, just as at Clos Fourtet and Château Canon, creating a chestnut-coloured clay topsoil. Towards the east, there is a layer of red clay and Agen molasse, similar to that found at Pavie-Macquin and Troplong-Mondot. The east-facing clay terraces, like the west-facing slopes, are made up of Fronsac molasse, the same as found at Ausone and Tertre-Roteboeuf.
We have ear-marked Laroque as a ‘best-value’ bet this year; in consensus with Jeb Dunnuck (95-97 Points), Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (94-96 Points), and Jane Anson (97 Points).
2022
CHÂTEAU LAROQUE
GRAND VIN
Merlot 98% | Cabernet Franc 2%
– En Primeur Release Price –
BOTTLES
£ 147 · € 168 · US$ 204
per 6 x 75cl packaged in an original wooden case
MAGNUMS
£ 153 · € 175 · US$ 212
per 3 x 1.5L packaged in an original wooden case
Prices are listed In Bond, per case
Tasting Note
JANE ANSON
Inside Bordeaux
–
” Clearly one of the new superstars in the appellation, Château Laroque is located on the cooler, eastern edge of Saint-Emilion and consists of pure, classic upper plateau limestone soils. The estate covers a whopping 54 hectares, which gives director Davie Suire ample flexibility when putting together the Grand Vin. Looking at the 2022 Laroque, it’s a blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc from healthy yields of 41 hectoliters per hectare, representing just 45% of the total production, and it will spend 16-18 months in 50% new French oak. This deep purple-hued beauty offers a classic Saint-Emilion bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, tobacco, and a liquid rock-like sense of minerality. It’s medium to full-bodied, has incredible purity, and ultra-fine tannins. It’s unquestionably another beautiful vintage for this chateau that readers will love. “
97 Points
Tasted April 2023
Tasting Note
JEB DUNNUCK
JebDunnuck.com
” The 2022 Laroque is deep garnet-purple in color. It prances out with showy scents of warm black plums, blueberry compote, and chocolate-covered cherries, giving way to wafts of underbrush, violets, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate delivers seriously impressive tension, with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and bags of bright black fruits, finishing long and fragrant. “
95-97 Points
Tasted April 2023
