Laforge 2019 (750ML)

93 VM / 93 JD / 92 JS / 90 JA / 90-92 WA

The 2019 Laforge has really filled out nicely. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, tobacco, licorice and lavender build beautifully with some aeration. The 2019 is sumptuous, bold and racy, Laforge is an absolute joy to taste today. This flamboyant, racy Saint-Émilion will be a jewel to drink now and over the next few years. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The 2019 Château Laforge is more up-front and charming, with medium-bodied aromas and flavors of savory red and black fruits, leafy herbs, iron, and tobacco. It has good acidity, ripe tannins, and, as with all of the releases from Malthus, is beautifully balanced. Drink this already complex, layered, seamless 2019 over the coming 15+ years.- Jeb Dunnuck

Lots of lovely fruit and freshness in this red with blackberry and cherry character, medium body and a round, juicy finish. Very attractive already. Drink after 2023.- James Suckling

The heat of the vintage comes through in some ripe raspberry and fig notes, and this has a punch of enjoyable sweet tobacco and nutmeg spice. Fermentation in oak vats, and the softening secondary fermentation in 80% new oak barrels. Abrupt finish, but plenty to enjoy here. Neil Whyte is the long-term winemker here, with Jonathan Maltus still overseeing thing as CEO and consultant, but under new ownership since 2018. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Laforge opens with notions of pencil shavings, rose hip tea, crushed rocks and cedar chest over a core of warm black and red plums, boysenberries and spice cake. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with freshness and energy, offering finely grained tannins to support the red and black fruit layers, finishing long and fragrant. Laforge is from the JCP Maltus portfolio of skillfully crafted Saint-Émilion wines. Neil White is the head winemaker, and Thomas Duclos is a consultant here. - Lisa Perrotti Brown, Wine Advocate