Chateau Laroque 2022

Chateau Laroque, Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France, 2022

Grapes: A blend of 98% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc, 50 year old vines, 61ha estate, clay/limestone soil, 41hl/ha yield, 18 months in French oak (50% new)

The Famille Beaumartin's estate is the largest in the Saint Emilion appellation and was awarded Grand Cru Classé status in the 1996 classification. It is situated on a massive limestone plateau which surrounds the chateau. Due to a strict selection process, only 45% of the production is released as the grand vin.

Critic's Tasting Notes:

"Showing a dark hue, the wine is all about its perfect balance between intensity, concentration, freshness, and elegance. The red pit fruits are sweet, refined, pure, and supple. The finish is long, creamy, pure, and while powerful, it is elegant as well, leaving you with a saltiness on the backend, providing lift and precision. The wine was made with 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, 14.55% ABV. Drink from 2026-2045."

95/100 points, Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider, May 2023

"Initially restrained, very profound, floral notes, noticeable limestone, violets, grasses; on the palate, the wine begins citrusy, lean, then expands and fills the palate, incredibly rich yet not opulent, crisp fruit enveloped by the finest tannins, vibrant acidity, great freshness, and elegance, finishing with a saline note. Once again excellent and likely one of the best wines of 2022. MUST BUY! (Drink from 2028 to 2060)"

96/100 points, Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch, January 2025

"A blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Laroque is deep garnet-purple in color. It prances out with showy scents of warm black plums, blueberry compote, and chocolate-covered cherries, giving way to wafts of underbrush, violets, and Sichuan pepper. The full-bodied palate delivers seriously impressive tension, with firm, ripe, rounded tannins and bags of bright black fruits, finishing long and fragrant."  Drink 2029-2059

96/100 points, THE WINE PALATE, June 2025