critic reviews
The 2014 Laroque feels muffled on the nose, the oak not quite in sync with the fruit and masking the terroir. The palate is medium-bodied with rustic, slightly coarse tannin, masculine and grippy but missing the charm one expects from a Saint-Émilion. However, it seems to improve with aeration, gaining more harmony and the fruit finally appearing. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
The 2014 Laroque has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, a light marine scent and tobacco that comes through with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, a brightness and sense of energy that is very satisfying. Whilst it might just lack a little complexity, the balance and use of oak is top notch and it just sings on the finish. This comes recommended. This has turned out much better than I originally thought.