2018 Chateau Laroque Saint-Emilion

Winemaker Notes: Superbly located on one of the highest points of Saint-Emilion, Laroque's limestone terroirs have once again shone through brilliantly in this 2018. They have produced wines that are bright, floral, and spicy with fresh salinity and a noble texture, which are the hallmark traits of this this estate.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "This estate is in a cool, limestone terroir on the eastern side of Saint- Emilion, and it's been firing on all cylinders over the past decade, in no small part due to the talented director, David Suire. The 2018 Château Laroque checks in as almost all Merlot (there is 3% Cabernet Franc) that comes from an incredibly strict selection of just 41% of the total production. Brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, it's more about finesse than power, offering a gorgeous perfume of ripe black cherries, mulberries, cassis, violets, spring flowers, and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and incredibly elegant on the palate, it builds nicely with time in the glass, has ultra-fine tannins, flawlessly integrated tannins, acidity and fruit, and a great finish. It's as classy as they come. Approachable today with a decant, it will drink nicely for 20 years or more."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Laroque is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant black cherries, wild blueberries and blackberry preserves scents with hints of crushed rocks, underbrush and violets plus a waft of Marmite toast. Full-bodied and jam-packed with bright, crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing very long and layered. Impressive! Being aged in oak barriques, 50% new, the blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Barrel Sample: 95-97"


Wine Spectator - "Well-proportioned, featuring cassis and blackberry fruit, balanced by brambly grip, juicy acidity and lively anise and black tea details. Very nicely put together. Barrel Sample: 92-95"


James Suckling - "Aromas of ripe blackcurrants, spiced cherries, cloves, praline, tea leaves and crushed gravel. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins and fresh acidity. Fleshy, chewy layers lead to a long, mineral finish. Late bottling helped here. Try from 2023."


Decanter - "A classically balanced wine, and a concentrated and darkly fruited take on the vintage. This has elegance by the bucketload and is going to reward another five to eight years in bottle. Excellent stuff. Drinking Window 2024 - 2040"