Laroque 2017

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Composed of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Laroque sports a deep garnet-purple color and is redolent of baked plums, black cherry pie and blueberry preserves with hints of baking spices and menthol plus an emerging waft of violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses very classy, ripe, plush tannins and tons of freshness lifting the energetic black fruits to a long, mineral-tinged finish.

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

45% of the crop, which comes mostly from limestone soils, went into this grand vin, which is composed of 99% Merlot with 1% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple, the 2017 Laroque simply sings of crushed blueberries, black cherries and black raspberries with touches of lilacs, Indian spices, unsmoked cigars, iron ore and espresso. Medium to full-bodied with wonderful concentration, firm, very finely pixelated tannins and superb freshness lifting the densely packed fruit, it has very long mineral-laced finish.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2017 Laroque is a wine of precision and class. Mocha, dried flowers, mint, blood orange, spice and star anise all open up effortlessly. Medium in body, perfumed and nuanced, with lovely palate presence, the 2017 has much to offer. Best of all, it will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is another impeccable wine from an estate that continues to improve. Tasted two times.

vinous94

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2017 Laroque is the best vintage so far at Laroque under the stewardship of David Suire. A rush of dark red cherry, blackberry, smoke, licorice, lavender and incense give the 2017 a distinctly dark, brooding personality. In 2017, Laroque is 99% Merlot and just 1% Cabernet Franc. Ample, broad and creamy, Laroque has a lot to offer. It may very well be the single most improved wine in Saint-Émilion over the last few years. The Grand Vin is a selection of the best parcels across the three terroirs – argillo/calcaire, red clay and blue clay – that run through the property.

vinous88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2017 Laroque is a blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc matured in 50% new oak. It has a slightly muddled bouquet at first. It gains clarity with aeration though remains earthy in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity with a sweet finish that just lacks the precision of its peers. Not bad, although not the best that David Siure has overseen in recent years at this rejuvenated estate.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2017 Laroque has a nicely defined bouquet with scents of blackberry and cranberry, lilting in style, nothing pretentious but gaining clarity in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin compared to the 2016 last year. But this feels balanced with a smooth texture, moderate in terms of depth with a slightly saline finish.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2017 Laroque is a blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc matured in 50% new oak. It has a slightly muddled bouquet at first. It gains clarity with aeration though remains earthy in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity with a sweet finish that just lacks the precision of its peers. Not bad, although not the best that David Siure has overseen in recent years at this rejuvenated estate.

james_suckling91

Reviewed by: James Suckling

A tight and focused red with blueberry, stone and blackberry character. Medium body, lovely energy and fine tannins. Ends ever so precisely on the palate. 99% merlot and 1% cabernet franc.

james_suckling91

Reviewed by: James Suckling

This St.-Emilion offers plenty of ripe red berries and plums with attractive leaf and bracken notes. The palate is supple and even with a fresh sleeve of fine, crisp tannin. Drink or hold.