Château Laroque
St-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2022
Bordeaux, France
Château Laroque, a historic estate in St Emilion with roots dating back to the 12th century. The present-day estate, reconstructed in the 17th century by the then-owner Marquis de Rochefort-Lavie, underwent significant changes in the early 60s. This era saw a dedicated effort to enhance wine quality through the complete replanting of vineyards and the reconstruction of the winery.
Antonio Galloni on Château Laroque
In 2015, the technical director of Châteaux Larcis-Ducasse and Beausejour Duffau assumed the role at Laroque. David Suires took charge under the condition that the estate owners made sufficient investment to fully unlock its clear potential.
The finest plots, particularly those bordering Troplong-Mondot, boast some of the best terroir in St Emilion. However, the inclusion of less celebrated plots in the past may have compromised overall quality in favour of quantity. This has changed under David Suires' leadership. A comprehensive survey of the vineyards was conducted on his arrival, identifying various 'climats' and emphasising the need for closer attention to detail in their management. Vinifying separately in smaller batches became essential to maximise potential, along with a more delicate winemaking approach to amplify the benefits of the changes in the vineyard.
The plateau's deep limestone, coupled with a clay base, proves ideal for Merlot, yielding elegance over power. Consequently, Laroque uses less new oak compared to its peers, avoiding overpowering the fruit.
| Style: Red | Drink from: 2030 |
| ABV: % | Drink to: 2045 |
| Packaging: OWC | Stock arriving: May 2025 |
Critic scores
Critic reviews
William Kelley, April 2023, RobertParker.com
"The 2022 Laroque was picked at 41hL/ha between 14 and 30 September, representing 45% of the total production. It has a clean and precise bouquet with brambly red fruit, hints of liquorice and iodine. Quite voluptuous in style, though thankfully, it retains delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe red fruit. Fine structure, very supple in the mouth. The lightly spiced finish comes across just a little sweeter than I would have liked, prompting me to be a bit more cautious with my score than I otherwise might have been."
Neal Martin, April 2023, Vinous.com
"The 2022 Laroque is bright, focused and full of energy. In this vintage, Laroque is especially refined. Dark plum, graphite, licorice, spice, lavender and mocha are nicely laced together in this gracious, finely cut Saint-Émilion. Bright saline accents lend notable brightness throughout."
Antonio Galloni, April 2023, Vinous.com
"You just know that this estate is well placed to succeed in the vintage, and this really does walk the line of ripeness and salinity, such gorgeous definition and vivid energetic fruit. Stretches out through the palate also, has a relaxed confidece to it that is quite unusual in such a full--on vintage. Really impressive, Beaumartin family, David Suire director."
Jane Anson, April 2023, JaneAnson.com
"98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Cask sample. Fragrant. Sleek and more fruity than tannic with quite a bit of acidity. Just a little mean, which is unusual in 2022."
Jancis Robinson, May 2023, JancisRobinson.com
Shipping duty paid to Mainland UK is charged at a flat rate of £9.99 per consignment and POA for Northern Ireland or Islands.
Shipping under bond is dependant on location, but starts at £15 per consignment.