Chateau Laroque Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2022

The 2022 Laroque just lacks a bit of fruit expression on the nose, more austere than its peers, with light pencil shaving scents joining the rather sultry black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a slight bitterness on the entry. Moderate depth, fine salinity with good persistence on the finish. Give this two or three years in bottle because I think this is entering a closed phase. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.

DRINKING WINDOW 2033 - 2048

date of review 03/2026

The grand vin from David Suire and team is a blend of 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, and the élevage was partly in 225-litre barrels, partly in 500-litre barrels, and partly in wooden cuve. Dark fruit with a polish on the nose here, with threads of toast and liquorice, currants and dried black cherry. The eastern plateau character comes across strong, the palate filled with saline black olive, currants, dried black cherries and liquorice, with a touch of tobacco toast, and a frame of beautifully melded tannins which simply melt across the palate. Beautiful freshness here, with lovely density of structure. This is a very stylish Laroque and has to be the best David Suire has yet produced here. Superb. Tasted twice. The alcohol on the label is 14.5%.