2024 Laroque
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Tasting notes
This is another standout performance from the team at Laroque, led by David Suire. The nose is scented with violets and blueberry, sweet and pure, precise but also lush and juicy. On the palate, it’s a beautiful, pure, crunchy, long and fresh wine, the fruit framed by fine, powdered tannins that build subtly in the background. A line of acidity runs through the wine, which is all about its chalky texture and length. Elegant and very fine. Aged in 50% new oak, 13.5% alcohol and 3.48pH. Blend: 98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
Coming from a cooler terroir of pure limestone soils, including 15% hillside parcels, the 2024 Château Laroque is based on 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc and is resting in 50% new oak. This beautifully hued effort offers vibrant notes of ripe blackberries, juicy cassis, violets, spring flowers, and a chalky minerality. It is medium-bodied, with a pure, elegant, and layered mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. This is a clean, crisp, and elegant Laroque with ripe tannins and plenty of charm. Harvest here stretched from September 27 to October 8.
Offering up aromas of sweet berries, exotic spices, herbs and smoked meats, the 2024 Laroque is medium-bodied, with a ripe core of fruit, assertive tannins and a somewhat carnal, animal finish. Given my expectations for this estate, the 2024 left me disappointed.
Deep plum colour, cold ash and fennel on the opening, savoury, well judged and well extracted, this is on the slim side, with the focus on cassis bud and rose petals. You probably have to be a bit of a limestone fanatic (as I am) to truly love this vintage of Laroque, because it is less gourmet than in vintages like 2022 and 2023, setting texture and minerality above fruit, but exceptionally well handled by estate director David Suire, and it should soften further ove ageing. Once again a value pick.
About the producer
Ch. Laroque is a Saint-Emilion fine wine estate which takes its name from the plateau of limestone rock on which it sits.