45% of the crop, which comes mostly from limestone soils, went into this grand vin, which is composed of 99% Merlot with 1% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple, the 2017 Laroque simply sings of crushed blueberries, black cherries and black raspberries with touches of lilacs, Indian spices, unsmoked cigars, iron ore and espresso. Medium to full-bodied with wonderful concentration, firm, very finely pixelated tannins and superb freshness lifting the densely packed fruit, it has very long mineral-laced finish.” April 27, 2018

Composed of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Laroque sports a deep garnet-purple color and is redolent of baked plums, black cherry pie and blueberry preserves with hints of baking spices and menthol plus an emerging waft of violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate possesses very classy, ripe, plush tannins and tons of freshness lifting the energetic black fruits to a long, mineral-tinged finish.

A tight and focused red with blueberry, stone and blackberry character. Medium body, lovely energy and fine tannins. Ends ever so precisely on the palate. 99% merlot and 1% cabernet franc.” April 3, 2018

The juicy cassis and raspberry puree core is flanked by singed apple wood and licorice notes. Pulls together nicely through the finish.” April 3, 2018

The wine has a gorgeous floral and savoury edge with extremely attractive, dark berry fruits. There's an extreme salinity and minerality, the steely austerity of a young Laroque holding back the brush of sexy St-émilion damson fruit, although there is a gourmet streak on the mid-palate. It's partly aged in large oak casks, with the rest in normal barrels. Drinking Window 2023 – 2036.” April 9, 2018

The 2017 Laroque is the best vintage so far at Laroque under the stewardship of David Suire. A rush of dark red cherry, blackberry, smoke, licorice, lavender and incense give the 2017 a distinctly dark, brooding personality. In 2017, Laroque is 99% Merlot and just 1% Cabernet Franc. Ample, broad and creamy, Laroque has a lot to offer. It may very well be the single most improved wine in Saint-émilion over the last few years. The Grand Vin is a selection of the best parcels across the three terroirs – argillo/calcaire, red clay and blue clay – that run through the property.” May 04, 2018

From David Suire, also the winemaker at Beausejour Duffau and Larcis Ducasse alongside Nicolas Thienpont, the Merlotdominated 2017 Chateau Laroque has lots of sweet cherry and cassis fruit, medium-bodied depth and richness, good acidity, and terrific purity of fruit. It shows the cooler, more elegant, fresh style of the vintage, and should drink nicely in its youth and keep for a decade. ” April 23, 2018

“Showing a dark hue, the wine opens with a strong mineral sensation, along with licorice, blackberries and dark chocolate. Medium/full bodied, the wine is sweet, elegant and fresh. The saltiness in the finish complements the dark red fruits and thyme throughout the endnote and there is a vibrancy and spicy quality to the fruits that is palpable in the finish.” April 26, 2018.

Rich and fruity, this wine has ripe tannins and already delicious black fruits. The structure is there, embedded in the juicy blackberry flavors. Drink from 2023. ” April 9, 2018