Chateau Laroque 2022

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.

• Trinkreife: 2030 - 2048
• Name des Kritikers: Jane Anson
• Datum der Bewertung: Mai 2023

A clear stand out in 2022 that delivers refined density and sublime drinking pleasure. Smells perfumed and opulent, aromatically expressive and alive on the nose. Full bodied, rich and concentrated, intense and filling - there is clear power but it's so delicately and elegantly presented with such succulence and a juicy, fun and playful fruitiness. Has both push and density as well a delicious mineral tang. This has a slick and sleek character and feels really made. I love the intense juiciness balanced by the plushness of the fruit, more weighty and dense than some with mass appeal, tons of energy and still lovely clean fresh and cooling St-Emilion typicity. Harvest 14-22 September. Yield of 41hl/ha. 3.55pH.

• Trinkreife: 2029 - 2048
• Name des Kritikers: Georgina Hindle
• Datum der Bewertung: April 2023

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.

• Trinkreife: 2028 - 2042
• Name des Kritikers: Antonio Galloni
• Datum der Bewertung: Oktober 2023

The grand vin from David Suire and team is a blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, and the élevage was partly in 225-litre barrels, partly in 500-litre barrels, and partly in wooden cuve. Dark fruit with a polish on the nose here, with threads of toast and liquorice, currants and dried black cherry. The eastern plateau character comes across strong, the palate filled with saline black olive, currants, dried black cherries and liquorice, with a touch of tobacco toast, and a frame of beautifully melded tannins which simply melt across the palate. Beautiful freshness here, with lovely density of structure. This is a very stylish Laroque and has to be the best David Suire has yet produced here. Superb. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%.

• Trinkreife: 2029 - 2059
• Name des Kritikers: Chris Kissack
• Datum der Bewertung: Mai 2023

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.

• Trinkreife: 2029 - 2059
• Name des Kritikers: William Kelley
• Datum der Bewertung: April 2022

The 2022 Laroque has an outstanding, finely delineated bouquet that retains the precision and mineralité suggested from barrel. There is energy here. The palate is medium-bodied, sapid and focused with fine-boned tannins. Its mineralité comes through again toward the finish. This rejuvenated Saint-Émilion comes highly recommended and continues a strong run of form for this rejuvenated estate.

• Trinkreife: 2028 - 2046
• Name des Kritikers: Neal Martin
• Datum der Bewertung: Mai 2023