Tech Notes
Wine Details
James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
Jeb Dunnuck
Decanter
Vinous
Wine Spectator
Wine Advocate
By Chateau Laroque
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe 2015
Background
Since the 12th century, Chateau Laroque has occupied a historical terroir, a mix of limestone rock and fine clays, superbly located on the slopes and high point of the plateau of Saint-Emilion.
Vineyard
Plateau made up of chestnut-colored and red clays over asteria limestone with east-facing terraces and west-facing slopes of very chalky, fine blueish clays. The vineyard covers 61 hectares (151 acres) of old vines from massal selections, with some vines over 50 years old. Manual harvesting on a plot-by-plot basis according to soil and ripeness. The Merlot was picked on October 3rd, October 5th through 10th, and October 12th. The Cabernets on October 12th. Yield of 42hl/ha, with 49% of the grapes and juice for the first wine
Production
Vat-filling using gravity flow and whole, uncrushed berries. Plot by plot vinification in small capacity concrete vats. Gentle extraction via a mix of punching down the cap and pump-overs. Protective macerations aiming for more flesh and salinity
Aging
Reductive aging on fine lees partially in barriques and partially in large French and Austrian oak casks (50% new wood). First racking after 6 to 10 months of aging (before the summer); the 2nd one year later, before bottling. Bottled from June 12th to June 16th, 2017.
Wine Details
Blend: 89% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.50%
pH: 3.53
[Information provided by DHI Selections]
Region
Bordeaux
Vintage
2015
Grape
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Country
France
Unit Size
375.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage
14.50
Appellation
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Wine: Chateau Laroque St.-Emilion 2015
Score/Rating: 94
Review Date: 01/22/2018
Reviewed By: James Suckling
Tasting Notes: Attractive dark plums and berries with hints of mocha, leading to an upbeat, fleshy palate. Dark chocolate, berry and plum flavors with plush, lengthy tannins. Drink or hold.
Wine: Chateau Laroque 2015 Barrel Sample (Saint-Emilion)
Score/Rating: 94
Review Date: 04/01/2016
Reviewed By: Roger Voss
Tasting Notes: 93-95. Barrel Sample. Powerful and ripe, this is a solid, serious wine. It has dark tannins that are integrated into the rich black fruits. The wood is filling the texture with spice and a touch of bitter chocolate. It will be a full, dense wine, lifted by its juicy acidity.
Wine: 2015 Chateau Laroque
Score/Rating: 93
Suggested Drinking Window: 2018 - 2033
Review Date: 11/30/2017
Reviewed By: Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes: The 2015 Chateau Laroque (89% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon) from winemaker David Suire is a beauty offering tons of floral nuances in its ripe red and blue fruits, violets and bouquet garni like aromas and flavors. Ripe, opulent, and broad on the palate, with sweet tannin and a charming, yet surprisingly lengthy style, it has the depth and concentration to keep for 10-15 years.
Wine: Chateau Laroque, St-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux, France, 2015
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040
Review Date: 07/01/2024
Reviewed By: Panos Kakaviatos
Tasting Notes: Complex bouquet of cool blue and candied fruit, orange peel, and butcher's meat. The palate is concentrated and rather elegant, leading to a finish marked by light floral notes. Less new oak than under preceding direction, but the estate was not yet using larger oak casks for ageing, Some tannins come across a bit hard here, necessitating time in bottle. The impression of rather iron, meaty notes reflect lacking finesse as compared to later vintages, but enjoy with grilled steak.
Wine: 2015 Laroque
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: 2020 - 2035
Review Date: 12/2017
Reviewed By: Antonio Galloni
Tasting Notes: The 2015 Laroque is racy and forward, just as it was from barrel. Sweet red cherry, plum, licorice, menthol, crushed flowers and mint are all nicely layered in this midweight, supple Saint-Emilion. This is an especially lifted, sensual wine for this sector of Saint-Emilion. The 10% Cabernet Franc adds lovely floral lift and brightness. I can't wait to see what managing director David Suire does here in the coming years. This is certainly an auspicious beginning.
Wine: Chateau Laroque St.-Emilion 2015
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: Drink now through 2035
Review Date: 03/31/2018
Reviewed By: James Molesworth
Tasting Notes: Warm plum sauce, crushed blackberry and cassis flavors form the core, supported by an ample lacing of black licorice and toasted apple wood notes. Offers a brambly edge, with the apple wood element holding sway on the finish, but there's enough fruit to wait this out. Best from 2023 through 2035.
Wine: 2015 Laroque
Score/Rating: (90-92)
Suggested Drinking Window: 2019 - 2032
Review Date: 04/27/2016
Reviewed By: Neal Martin
Tasting Notes: The 2015 Laroque is one of the grandest properties in Saint Emilion - an expansive vineyard with a chateau that would make most Left Bank properties look small. It has an attractive bouquet with dark black cherries, cassis and violets, well defined and with attractive, expressive Merlot that is kept under control. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannin, well-judged acidity, cohesive in the mouth with black fruit, a touch of truffle and a pleasant saline finish. New winemaker David Siure (see Pavie-Macquin, Larcis-Ducasse etc) has clearly had an impact on this Saint Emilion, and delivered a wine commensurate of its grand building. This will be a name to follow in the future.
