2018 Laroze

The 2018 Laroze has a tightly wound bouquet that is just missing a bit of flow, a bit of amplitude. It almost reluctantly opens to reveal light graphite and pressed iris scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. There is good fruit concentration, the blackberry and bilberry scents laced with white pepper and black olive notes, especially on the sapid finish. This needs a couple of years in bottle, but I suspect it will turn into a fine Saint-Émilion.

The 2018 Château Laroze is one heck of powerhouse Saint-Emilion based on 62% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon that was brought up in (I believe) 70% new French oak. Lots of ripe cassis and black raspberry fruit as well as scorched earth, tobacco, espresso roast, and chocolaty notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, nicely textured 2018 with some textbook minerality, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This beautiful, powerful, yet elegant Saint-Emilion needs 2-4 years to integrate its oak yet should shine for 15+ years from cold cellars.