Laroque 2018 (750ML)

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

91-94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Laroque is a very pretty, pliant Saint-Émilion. Bright red raspberry, blood orange, mint and sweet floral notes give the 2018 striking energy to play off a core of radiant, supple fruit. Medium in body and gracious, Laroque has so much to offer in 2018. Although Laroque is not one of the most concentrated or structured Saint-Émilions, it is a wine of superb drinkability and pure pleasure. The blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Technical Director David Suire gave the 2018 lots 26-29 days on the skins fermented in cement, with manual pumpovers and punchdowns. New oak is 55%. Suire, best known for his work alongside Nicolas Thienpont, is doing great things at Laroque. Tasted four times." 4/19

93-94 Points, James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com: "This is a plump and rich Labégorce with a full body, juicy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Lots of pure and intense fruit." 4/19

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

93 Points, Jane Anson, Decanter: "Beautifully measured, elegant and restrained, this has juiciness and hidden power. It's definitely less exuberant than some, giving tight black fruits and fine tannins alongside a limestone grip and a slate crawl across the palate, slowing you down and forcing you to pay attention as the floral character comes slowly winding out of the glass." 4/19

95-97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: "A blend of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc representing just 41% of the total production, the 2018 Château Laroque is still resting in barrels and oak tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed rocks. Deep, medium to full-bodied, with a beautiful mid-palate and ripe, silky tannins, it's an incredible success for the estate, which is firing on all cylinders today thanks to the talented David Suire!" 4/19