93-95

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2021 Laroque is a standout. Bright and racy, with tremendous persistence, Laroque stakes its claim as Saint-Émilion's brightest rising star. Bright limestone accents run through a core of red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint and white pepper. There is a linear intensity to Laroque that is hugely appealing. Technical Director David Suire fashioned a gem. Don't miss it. 04/2022

91-93

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2021 Laroque has upped its game in recent vintages under David Suire. It was cropped between 1 and 15 October at 41hL/ha, and matured in 50% new oak. It has a refined bouquet with brambly red fruit, light undergrowth and mineral scents. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, poised and again, mineral-driven thanks to its limestone soils. This latest release continues that fine run of form but will be more approachable than recent vintages. 04/2022

92-95

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2021 Laroque is very promising indeed, and winemaker David Suire and I agree that it is likely to surpass the estate's 2018 vintage in quality. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of sweet berries, plums and cherries, framed by a discreet patina of new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, with excellent concentration, lively acids and ripe, melting tannins. A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, it represents 45% of the estate's production and derives from vines more than 50 years old. 04/2022

91-93+

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

From an estate that continues to fire on all cylinders, the 2021 Château Laroque checks in as just about all Merlot (there's a splash of Cabernet Franc) that's pulled from just 45% of the total production and spends 18 months in 50% new barrels. Beautiful black raspberry, cassis, white flowers, and chalky mineral notes all define the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant mouthfeel, impressive tannins, and a great finish. It shows the cooler, fresher style of the vintage, yet I suspect the pH is solid, and it offers plenty of fruit. I'd be a buyer. 06/2022

92

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Belle couleur sombre et intense. Nez moyennement aromatique, au fruité mûr et légèrement crémeux. Bouche tout en délicatesse de toucher, avec du goût, un corps présent et caressant. Finale bien construite et aromatique. Tannicité enrobée. Assemblage : 99 % merlot, 1 % cabernet franc. Degré d'alcool : 13°5 - pH : 3,49. Vendanges du 4 au 15 octobre. Rendement : 41 hl/ha. 04/2022

93-94

James Suckling

James Suckling

A medium-bodied, elegant and fresh red with fine and silky tannins. Fresh acidity. Balanced and perfumed already with vibrant raspberry, blackberry and bark notes. Very citrusy. Linear and bright. 05/2022