Wine Advisor
Laroque 2018
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2018 Laroque is composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% new barriques. The alcohol is 14.5% and the pH is 3.48. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with flamboyant notes of stewed black plums, Black Forest cake and boysenberries, plus hints of candied violets, star anise and unsmoked cigars with a playful waft of sassafras. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with juicy black fruits, supported by plush tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and fragrant.
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
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, finishing very long and layered. Impressive! Being aged in oak barriques, 50% new, the blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Laroque is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel. Silky, polished and refined, the 2018 marks a major step forward for the château. Lavender, spice, blueberry, cedar and mint all grace a Saint-Émilion built more on finesse than power. The long, persistent finish, with its saline accents, adds to the wine's pedigree. The 2018 is beautifully done. The blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Technical Director David Suire gave the 2018 lots 26-29 days on the skins fermented in cement, with manual pump-overs and punch-downs. New oak is 55%.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Laroque is a very pretty, pliant Saint-Émilion. Bright red raspberry, blood orange, mint and sweet floral notes give the 2018 striking energy to play off a core of radiant, supple fruit. Medium in body and gracious, Laroque has so much to offer in 2018. Although Laroque is not one of the most concentrated or structured Saint-Émilions, it is a wine of superb drinkability and pure pleasure. The blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Technical Director David Suire gave the 2018 lots 26-29 days on the skins fermented in cement, with manual pumpovers and punchdowns. New oak is 55%. Suire, best known for his work alongside Nicolas Thienpont, is doing great things at Laroque. Tasted four times.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
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.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2018 Laroque has a rich and creamy bouquet with upfront blueberry and cassis fruit, modern in style but managing to retain delineation and avoid excess. The palate is smooth and rounded with quite noticeable vanillary oak, although there is plenty of fruit underneath. The tannins feel quite fine and there is a sense of harmony and persistent on the plush finish. Whilst not a profound Saint-Émilion, it does make for a seductively gorgeous wine.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
This is really delicious with so much dark-berry and stone character. Full to medium body and super, integrated tannins. Bright and generous. One of the best from here. We will see if it is better than 2016 and 2015.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Aromas of ripe blackcurrants, spiced cherries, cloves, praline, tea leaves and crushed gravel. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins and fresh acidity. Fleshy, chewy layers lead to a long, mineral finish. Late bottling helped here. Try from 2023.
About the Producer
Since the 12th century, Château Laroque has occupied an historical terroir, a mix of limestone rock and fine clays, superbly located on the slopes and high boint of the plateau of Saint-Emilion. Superbly located on one of the highest points of Saint-Emilion, Laroque's limestone terroirs have once again shone through brilliantly in this 201% They have produced wines that are bright, floral and spicy, with fresh salinity and a noble texture, which are the hallmark traits of this estate.
