2019 Chateau Laroque

Dense pitch black heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Sailing out of the glass is a fragrant mix of red to black currant, violet and subtle liquorice aromas followed by vanillin cedar, scorched earth and spicy dried herb notes. Rich and concentrated yet beautifully structured and refined, the palate is blessed with gorgeous ripe black currant and liquorice fruits. Adding complexity on the back half are cigar box, dusty earth, graphite and spicy black olive elements. The firm, sturdy tannin structure well integrated. Excellent depth with a long earthy spice laden aftertaste.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews....
A terrific effort from an estate that was long one of Saint-Émilion's sleeping giants, the 2019 Laroque unwinds in the glass with aromas of cherries, licorice, loamy soil, rose petals and sweet tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, ample and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with succulent aids, powdery tannins and a seamless, integrated profile. It's well worth seeking out. Drink 2025 - 2049.
94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Apr 2022)

The 2019 Laroque captures all of the potential it showed as a young barrel sample. Succulent and racy to the core, with striking depth, Laroque is voluptuous, creamy and wonderfully inviting right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry fruit, mocha, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol build into the voluptuous finish. Laroque balances fruit intensity with energy. It is certainly impressive in 2019. Tasted two times. Drink 2025-2039.
94 points
Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Blackcurrant, cherry and violet aromas follow through to a medium to full body with very well-integrated tannins that give a soft and creamy impression. Long and satisfying already, but needs another three or four years to come together. Try after 2023.
94 points
James Suckling

I continue to just love this château, which is located in one of the cooler terroirs in the appellation, sitting on pure limestone soils. Director David Suire continues to fine-tune every aspect of the estate and is the driving force behind the incredible quality we're seeing today. The 2019 Château Laroque is as classy as they come, with an incredible level of refinement and elegance. Ripe black cherries, blueberries, violets, white truffle, and cedar pencil all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with incredible tannins, perfect balance, and a great finish. It doesn't quite have the density of, say, Canon or Clos Fourtet, yet it doesn't lose a beat with regard to purity, finesse, and elegance. It's a gorgeous Saint-Emilion that readers will love to have in the cellar. It offers pleasure today yet won't hit the early stages of maturity for another 5-7 years and will have 20-25 years of overall longevity, probably more. Drink 2027 - 2048.
95 points
Jeb Dunnuck

Dark chocolate, spice-box, smoke, licorice, espresso and plums carry the nose. The wine is full-bodied, deep, rich, lush and plush on the palate with layers of ripe, supple, silky dark red fruits with intensity, purity, and salty tannins. The wine is hitting all the right notes. And even better, as good as it is now, with some age, this is going to be even better. This is in competition for the highest scoring, well-priced wine in all of Bordeaux. This is a reminder, grab this wine by the case. Eventually, prices will rise. Remember, you heard it here first. Drink from 2023-2045.
95 points
Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider