Laroque
Laroque
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On the edge of the rocky plateau, overlooking the undulating hillsides of the Grande Combe de Saint-Laurent, LA-ROQUE sets the tone. Here, vines are planted everywhere in the three types of limestone that are emblematic of the appellation: blond clay (to the west) and red clay (Agen Molasse, to the east) on asteriated limestone plateaux, terraces to the east and hillsides to the west on fine creamy white clay (Fronsac molasse). And it is this variety of soils and relief that gives this vineyard its unique character.
The Laroque vineyards, many of them old and all planted with authentic mass selections from the original Merlot and Cabernet Franc, represent an exceptional living heritage of 61 hectares. Naturally, each new planting is an opportunity to keep these priceless old vines alive. Being able to preserve them in their rich diversity is Laroque’s good fortune.
Wine Advocate 95: The 2022 Laroque has turned out very well indeed in bottle, offering up aromas of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, suave and vibrant palate that's pure, concentrated and penetrating. Harmonious and integrated, this limestone terroir's identity really shines through.
James Suckling 95: A wine that vibrates with energy and character. Aromas of red berries, bark, violets, lavender, sea salt and chalk. It’s dense and full-bodied with a big palate, but it’s framed and gorgeous in the weightless finish. Perhaps the best wine ever from here? 99% merlot and 1% cabernet franc. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.
Vinous 94: The 2022 Laroque has an outstanding, finely delineated bouquet that retains the precision and mineralité suggested from barrel. There is energy here. The palate is medium-bodied, sapid and focused with fine-boned tannins. Its mineralité comes through again toward the finish. This rejuvenated Saint-Émilion comes highly recommended and continues a strong run of form for this rejuvenated estate.
Decanter 97: A pure and focussed nose full of ripe but cool black fruit with soft hints of violets and vanilla. This delighted during Primeurs and it's turned out excellently in bottle. Juicy, clean and crystalline with a perfect balance of fruit, tannins and acidity with plenty of underling power but delivered so elegantly. Great harmony and drinkability on offer. Ends salty with graphite and slate really putting the limestone terroir into the glass. Delicious. Another excellent bottle from this rising start estate under the helm of David Suire.