Laroque 2021 (375ML)

93-95 VM / 92-95 WA / 93 JA / 93 DE / 91-93 WI

The 2021 Laroque is a standout. Bright and racy, with tremendous persistence, Laroque stakes its claim as Saint-Émilion's brightest rising star. Bright limestone accents run through a core of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint and white pepper. There is a linear intensity to Laroque that is hugely appealing. Technical Director David Suire fashioned a gem. Don't miss it. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

The 2021 Laroque is very promising indeed, and winemaker David Suire and I agree that it is likely to surpass the estate's 2018 vintage in quality. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of sweet berries, plums and cherries, framed by a discreet patina of new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, with excellent concentration, lively acids and ripe, melting tannins. A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, it represents 45% of the estate's production and derives from vines more than 50 years old. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

This is juicy, mouthwatering, has a pumice-stone limestone texture and a slow unrolling of plum and raspberry fruits and smoked spices while maintaining grip. They have been making great wine here over recent vintages, and to keep the quality in 2021 is worthy of congratulations. One to look out for. Beaurmartin family, David Suire director, 61ha size, 41hl/h yield. 45% of production in the Grand Vin. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Great aromatics on the nose. Supple and generous on the palate, this has a spring it its step with crushed velvet tannis, bright fruit that has a gentle roundness to it and such lifted freshness giving this a lovely cool effect from start to finish. I love the strawberry and raspberry fruit here, so clean, so pure, so delicate and long. It's not weighty but so well delivered. Lively and charming. Elegant, finessed, harmonious. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

The 2021 Laroque is composed of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Yields were 41 hl/ha and it is aging in French oak barriques, 50% new. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it sails out with evocative notes of plum preserves and blackberry pie, followed by hints of star anise, lavender, fallen leaves and fragrant earth. The medium-bodied palate delivers taut, muscular black fruits with a grainy texture and a lively backbone, finishing long and earthy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent