2022 Chateau Laroque St. Emilion Grand Cru [D97][JD97][WA95][V95][JS94]

Producer: Chateau Laroque
Region: Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France  
Blend: 98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc 
Year: 2022 

Decanter, 97 Points 

"A pure and focussed nose full of ripe but cool black fruit with soft hints of violets and vanilla. This delighted during Primeurs and it's turned out excellently in bottle. Juicy, clean and crystalline with a perfect balance of fruit, tannins and acidity with plenty of underling power but delivered so elegantly. Great harmony and drinkability on offer. Ends salty with graphite and slate really putting the limestone terroir into the glass. Delicious. Another excellent bottle from this rising start estate under the helm of David Suire." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 97 Points 

"Looking at the Grand Vin 2022 Château Laroque, it checks in as 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc raised in 60% new oak with a mix in larger formats, as well as a portion in foudre. Gorgeous black raspberries, spring flowers, graphite, and truffly mineral and crushed stone-like nuances all shine in this stunningly complex, medium to full-bodied effort. With ripe, polished tannins, perfectly integrated acidity, and ultra-fine tannins, it's going to drink well for at least 30 years. The alcohol here is a healthy 14.7 with a pH of 3.4. This is an absolutely gorgeous wine! Buy a case for your cellar. You can thank me later." 

Wine Advocate, 95 Points 

"The 2022 Laroque has turned out very well indeed in bottle, offering up aromas of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, suave and vibrant palate that's pure, concentrated and penetrating. Harmonious and integrated, this limestone terroir's identity really shines through." 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"The 2022 Laroque is even better from bottle than it was en primeur. Dark, rich and enveloping, the 2022 is seriously impressive. Black cherry, leather, licorice, dried herbs and mocha race across the palate. The possesses superb depth and nuance while capturing all of the richness of the year. Laroque is very clearly one of the sleepers of the year. Superb." 

James Suckling, 94 Points 

"This shows very good integration with the fine wood. Warm bread, graphite, iron and black plums. Rich but still quite fresh, with medium to full body and tightly wound tannins. Long, focused finish. Approachable now, but better in another two years." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.