Laroque 2018 (1.5L)

94-96 Points, Christopher Deas, Zachys Buying Team: "Simply awesome. This is the little value wine that we were looking for and is another example of how Bordeaux may be home to some of greatest, and most cost prohibitive wines in the world, but also some of the greatest values. Where else are you going to find a wine with this kind of pedigree - we are talking about a Grand Cru Classé with a history dating back to the 12th century, beautifully positioned on the limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion and produced by the hands of David Suire and Nicolas Thienpont (Larcis Ducasse, Pavie Macquin). And that is what this wine is all about. you feel that rock in the wine, it screams freshness and vibrancy. This is clean, juicy, pure Merlot with even a touch of citrus to complement the wild berries, black cherries, plums, violets and cassis with just the right amount of salinity. There is welcomed restraint here in this ripe vintage with unprecedented finesse to the wine - in a few words, this is an electrifying find that is one of the greatest values in wine that we have come across. A MUST BUY in 2018."

95-97 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Laroque is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant black cherries, wild blueberries and blackberry preserves scents with hints of crushed rocks, underbrush and violets plus a waft of Marmite toast. Full-bodied and jam-packed with bright, crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing very long and layered. Impressive! Being aged in oak barriques, 50% new, the blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc." 4/19

92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "The 2018 Laroque fulfills the promise it showed from barrel last year. It has an irresistible bouquet of layered black cherry and blueberry fruit, fresh and lively with beautifully integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and a spicy, black-pepper-tinged finish that feels ever so slightly attenuated. Give this 3–4 years in bottle if you can." 03/21

94 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Aromas of ripe blackcurrants, spiced cherries, cloves, praline, tea leaves and crushed gravel. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins and fresh acidity. Fleshy, chewy layers lead to a long, mineral finish. Late bottling helped here." 01/21

92 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "This has some frank ripeness with a mix of dark plum, loganberry and cherry paste flavors. They're integrated nicely though, with a sandalwood and dried anise spine for form through the refined finish. Best from 2022 through 2032. 11,250 cases made." 03/21

93-95 Points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast: "There are notions of some serious wood aging here, which are happily sustained by the black currant flavor and lively acidity. It will be a firm wine for many years before it opens up." 4/19

96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "This estate is in a cool, limestone terroir on the eastern side of Saint- Emilion, and it's been firing on all cylinders over the past decade, in no small part due to the talented director, David Suire. The 2018 Château Laroque checks in as almost all Merlot (there is 3% Cabernet Franc) that comes from an incredibly strict selection of just 41% of the total production. Brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, it's more about finesse than power, offering a gorgeous perfume of ripe black cherries, mulberries, cassis, violets, spring flowers, and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and incredibly elegant on the palate, it builds nicely with time in the glass, has ultra-fine tannins, flawlessly integrated tannins, acidity and fruit, and a great finish. It's as classy as they come. Approachable today with a decant, it will drink nicely for 20 years or more. Readers looking for an impeccably made, classic, high-quality Saint-Emilion that doesn't break the bank should back up the truck for this beauty." 03/21