One of our favourite Bordeaux producers, Château Laroque, has assembled a collector’s case spanning six exceptional consecutive vintages. With one bottle each from 2018 to 2023, in its own wooden case, it captures a golden period for the estate – and its rise to Saint-Émilion stardom.
Based on scores from Antonio Galloni and Jane Anson, the average across the six vintages sits just shy of 95 points – a remarkable achievement given the wine’s humble price tag and Château Laroque’s status as the largest vineyard estate in Saint-Émilion.
After a hiatus from the market, the property appointed David Suire to take the reins of this limestone haven in 2016. With a string of superb vintages and the magic of its terroir, the estate continues to build its reputation. Whether you follow the great wines of Laroque, love Bordeaux or are looking for a Christmas gift for a wine lover, this is a fine addition to any collection.
This is a pre-arrival offer, with the wines expected to arrive in time for Christmas. To secure your order, please email johan@briceandburnett.co.za.
Tasting Notes:
‘The 2018 Laroque is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel. Silky, polished and refined, the 2018 marks a major step forward for the château. Lavender, spice, blueberry, cedar and mint all grace a Saint-Émilion built more on finesse than power. The long, persistent finish, with its saline accents, adds to the wine’s pedigree. The 2018 is beautifully done. The blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Technical Director David Suire gave the 2018 lots 26-29 days on the skins fermented in cement, with manual pump-overs and punch-downs. New oak is 55%.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94/100
‘So well put together, you feel the deft strokes of the winemaking layered on top of the terroir, and it’s an impressive whole that combines power and restraint. Cassis and blueberry fruits, liquorice and espresso, mouth-watering finish but everything unfolding oh so slowly. No rush here. Yields of 43hl/ha. 3.44pH. Owned by the family Beaumartin, with winemaking from David Suire. An upscore from En Primeur.’ – Jane Anson, janeanson.com, 95/100
‘The 2020 Laroque is even better than the en primeur sample. Dark and enveloping, with tons of class, Laroque is a winner. Succulent dark plum, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice and pipe tobacco give the 2020 tons of nuance. Laroque is class personified. Winemaker David Suire is doing important work here.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 96/100
‘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.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94/100
‘Superb quality delivering grip and lift, with the fleshy black fruits underpinned by steel, crushed slate and softer crayon. Well defined black fruits, mouthwatering, vivid, energetic, one to look out for. 3.55ph reductive ageing on fine lees, 1st racking after 6 months, harvest September 14 to 30. Vineyard located on the limestone plateau and slopes at one of the highest points of St Emilion in St Christophe des Bardes, owned by the Beaumartin family, David Suire director.’ – Jane Anson, janeanson.com, 97/100
‘The 2023 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of total understatement and class, Laroque sizzles with all of the tension that is such a signature of the limestone parcels. In some recent vintages, Laroque has been more charming at the outset. The 2023, on the other hand, is a wine that is going to require a few years in bottle to be at its finest. Tasted two times.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 95+/100
