In Bond Fine Wine. 2023 Château Laroque, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Grand Cru Classé • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (JA). Drinking window: 2033–2053. 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.
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 95/100 · Vinous, 31/03/2026 · Drink 2033-2053
95+ Antonio Galloni, March 2026 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…
William Kelley (WK) — 92–94/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 26/04/2024 · Drink 26/04/2024
Exhibiting aromas of dark, minty berries, bay leaf and creamy new oak, the 2023 Laroque is medium to full-bodied, with a sweet core of fruit, powdery tannins and a penetrating, mineral finish.
Neal Martin (NM) — 94–96/100 · Vinous, 25/04/2024 · Drink 2027-2050
The 2023 Laroque has an outstanding bouquet that shades many of its peers. It conveys transparency and mineralit' at a higher level and leaves you wanting more. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins that frame the pure black cherry and raspberry fruit. There is structure here, and the finish is notably longer than other wines of its class. This is very impressive, and I can imagine it agi…