In Bond Fine Wine. 2018 Château Laroque, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Grand Cru Classé • Red Bordeaux in 6x150cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (JD). Drinking window: 2021–2045. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Laroque is fast becoming one of the most compelling names in Saint Emilion, thanks largely to its cooler, limestone-rich terroir perched high on the plateau. This location and terroir brings a natural freshness and precision to the wines—qualities that really shine in warmer years. Since David Suire took the reins in 2015, the estate has undergone a quiet transformation. Laroque is a big property of 60 hecatres but now only the best parcels—mostly old-vine Merlot with a little Cabernet Franc—make it into the Grand Vin. The result is a wine that are pure, vibrant, and mineral-driven. Recent vintages like 2022 and 2021 have wowed critics and collectors alike, offering Grand Cru quality at a much friendlier price. With its combination of cool terroir, thoughtful winemaking, and growing critical acclaim, Laroque is now firmly on the radar for Saint Emilion lovers looking for value.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 95–97/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 24/04/2019
A blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc representing just 41% of the total production, the 2018 Chateau Laroque is still resting in barrels and oak tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. Deep, medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, silky tannins, it's an incredible success for th…
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 95–97/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 23/04/2019
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…
Neal Martin (NM) — 92/100 · Vinous, 22/08/2021 · Drink 2024 - 2040
The 2018 Laroque fulfills the promise it showed from barrel last year. It has an irresistible bouquet of layered black cherry and blueberry fruit, fresh and lively with beautifully integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and a spicy, black-pepper-tinged finish that feels ever so slightly attenuated. Give this 3'4 years in bottle if you can.