Description
Monica Larner 95-97 points www.robertparker.com
Composed of 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Laroque was harvested from the 30th of September to the 10th of October. Yields were 43 hectoliters per hectare this year. Alcohol came in at 14.5%, with a relatively low pH of 3.44. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold scents of blueberry preserves, Black Forest cake, dark chocolate and lilacs with underlying hints of aniseed, espresso and pencil lead plus a waft of smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with dark, seductive berry layers and a whole myriad of savory nuances, framed by wonderfully soft, velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and perfumed. Beautiful!
Yves Beck 94-95 points www.yvesbeck.wine
Pourpre violacé dense. Le bouquet de Laroque affiche d’emblée beaucoup de personnalité, de particularité. Il révèle des notes crayeuses, typiques pour le plateau calcaire mais également des notes fruitées et florales avec des groseilles et un peu de pivoine. Attaque racée et friande. Quelle énergie gustative et aromatique où le tempérament de la structure est en harmonie avec la densité des tannins. Ces derniers se révèlent lentement et atteignent leur amplitude en fin de bouche. Ils ont un grain fin et sont parfaitement intégrés. J’ai d’abord eu de la peine à jauger la densité tannique au vu de la fougue de la structure mais la fin de bouche souligne la grandeur et la précision des tannins. Laroque 2019 allie merveilleusement race et ampleur et a la substance nécessaire pour une longue garde. Sa fraîcheur le rendra néanmoins déjà accessible dans sa jeunesse. Une grande réussite. Un vin précis, élégant et convaincant. 2025-2054
Neal Martin 92-94 points www.vinous.com
The 2019 Laroque has a very ripe and generous bouquet with scents of small black cherries intermingling with camphor and light spicy aromas. This is a nose that wants to make an impression. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet ripe entry, layers of red fruit (cranberry, redcurrant and raspberry) mixed with soy and white pepper. It remains well defined right to the finish with a pastille-like aftertaste. This is a very fine 2019 from a rejuvenated estate under the guidance of David Suire.
Antonio Galloni 92-94 points www.vinous.com
The 2019 Laroque is plaint, silky and super-expressive, even in the early going. The purity of the fruit is striking. Medium in body, Laroque captures all of the radiance of the personality while retaining a very classic mid-weight sense of structure. Raspberry jam, spice and red plum meld into the juicy finish. The 2019 is very nicely done.
Jane Anson 94 points www.decanter.com (at Bordeaux, 01 Jun 2020)
A wine that clings to the sides of your mouth, expertly balancing the twin characters of power and restraint. Rich blackberry and raspberry fruits, darker in character than the blend would have you believe, but with a lush texture that reveals itself as it opens up. Yields of 43hl/ha. 3.44pH. Drinking Window 2025 – 2042