Wine Advisor
Laroque 2019
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Laroque was harvested from the 30th of September to the 10th of October. Yields were 43 hectoliters per hectare this year. Alcohol came in at 14.5%, with a relatively low pH of 3.44. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold scents of blueberry preserves, Black Forest cake, dark chocolate and lilacs with underlying hints of aniseed, espresso and pencil lead plus a waft of smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with dark, seductive berry layers and a whole myriad of savory nuances, framed by wonderfully soft, velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and perfumed. Beautiful!
Reviewed by: William Kelley
A terrific effort from an estate that was long one of Saint-Émilion's sleeping giants, the 2019 Laroque unwinds in the glass with aromas of cherries, licorice, loamy soil, rose petals and sweet tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with succulent aids, powdery tannins and a seamless, integrated profile. It's well worth seeking out.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2019 Laroque captures all of the potential it showed as a young barrel sample. Succulent and racy to the core, with striking depth, Laroque is voluptuous, creamy and wonderfully inviting right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry fruit, mocha, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol build into the voluptuous finish. Laroque balances fruit intensity with energy. It is certainly impressive in 2019. Tasted two times.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2019 Laroque is plaint, silky and super-expressive, even in the early going. The purity of the fruit is striking. Medium in body, Laroque captures all of the radiance of the personality while retaining a very classic mid-weight sense of structure. Raspberry jam, spice and red plum meld into the juicy finish. The 2019 is very nicely done.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2019 Laroque lacks a bit of complexity on the nose - high-toned black fruit, touches of hickory and crushed black peppercorns. Slightly animally in style, though attractive. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, quite pliant, well balanced with a smooth and quite velvety finish. After a slow entrance, it starts to seduce and I strongly suspect it would have deserved a more generous score in line with my previous assessments given more aeration. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2019 Laroque has impressive transparency and focus on the nose, which is well-delineated and mineral-driven, the oak seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine grip, and lightly spiced with a touch of black pepper toward the finish. A superb Laroque from winemaker David Siure.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2019 Laroque has a very ripe and generous bouquet with scents of small black cherries intermingling with camphor and light spicy aromas. This is a nose that wants to make an impression. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet ripe entry, layers of red fruit (cranberry, redcurrant and raspberry) mixed with soy and white pepper. It remains well defined right to the finish with a pastille-like aftertaste. This is a very fine 2019 from a rejuvenated estate under the guidance of David Suire.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
This is very minerally and stony with crushed cement. Medium to full body and firm, polished tannins. It’s floral and complex. So fresh and bright. Wonderful balance to this. Elegance and drinkability. Better than the 2018. One of best ever.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Blackcurrant, cherry and violet aromas follow through to a medium to full body with very well-integrated tannins that give a soft and creamy impression. Long and satisfying already, but needs another three or four years to come together. Try after 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.
