Château Laroque, Grand Cru Classé, St Émilion,

Well-judged clove, sage and anis spice lifts this above the average in the 2021 lineup, and there are delicous black tea, spiced plum and blueberry fruits. Clear grip and limestone character. A success in the vintage, but that doesnt mean it escapes the cool vintage character. Beaurmartin family, David Suire director, 61ha size, 41hl/h yield. 45% of production in the Grand Vin.

The 2021 Laroque has a well-defined, complex bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, loam and tobacco scents, a touch of damp undergrowth emerging with time, The palate is medium-bodied with a sapid entry and fine acidity, slightly powdery in texture with a hint of Japanese nori on the finish. This is well worth seeking out.