2017 Laroque

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.

The 2017 Laroque is a blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc matured in 50% new oak. It has a slightly muddled bouquet at first. It gains clarity with aeration though remains earthy in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity with a sweet finish that just lacks the precision of its peers. Not bad, although not the best that David Siure has overseen in recent years at this rejuvenated estate.

David Suire continues to work magic at this larger estate located on the limestone plateau outside of Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, and he's produced a gorgeous 2017 Chateau Laroque. Note of creme de cassis, black cherries, forest floor, truffle, and spring flowers all flower to a medium-bodied, nicely concentrated 2017 that has ripe, present tannins, a solid spine of acidity, wonderful purity, and outstanding length. It doesn't match 2016 (or I suspect the 2018), yet it's a beautiful, elegant Saint-Emilion that will drink nicely for over a decade. The blend is almost all Merlot (there’s 1% Cabernet Franc) and was trimmed from just 45% of the total production. It spent 14-16 months in 50% new French oak.