Wines Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Château Laroque - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Château Laroque 2021 is a distinguished red wine from the renowned Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, situated in the Le Libournais sub-region of Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from Merlot, emblematic of the right bank, it is often complemented by Cabernet Franc and minor portions of Cabernet Sauvignon, which lend structure and complexity. The 2021 vintage presented Bordeaux with a cool, rainy spring and early summer, challenging vignerons but ultimately resulting in a wine of finesse and freshness. Château Laroque, with its ancient limestone plateau terroir, benefits from soils rich in clay and limestone, offering both vibrancy and depth to the wine. The vinification process is meticulous, with gentle extraction and careful aging in French oak barrels to emphasise elegance over power.

Saint-Émilion, located on the right bank of the Dordogne, boasts a patchwork of soils, but Château Laroque’s prized vineyards rest on some of the highest limestone terraces, imparting a signature mineral lift and tension. The region’s temperate maritime climate ensures a slow, steady ripening of grapes, typically allowing Merlot to shine. With an illustrious history dating back to Roman times and a UNESCO World Heritage village at its heart, Saint-Émilion is revered for producing wines of perfumed fragrance, silky tannins, and remarkable longevity.

This vintage displays notes of blackcurrant, ripe plum, graphite, and floral hints, underpinned by a subtle oak spice. Its elegant structure and freshness make it a superb companion for classic French dishes such as duck breast with a red wine reduction, roast rack of lamb with thyme, or a simple entrecôte Bordelaise. Regional fare like cannelés or matured Saint-Nectaire cheese can highlight its dark fruit and earthy character.

For optimal appreciation, decant the wine for at least one hour before serving. The ideal serving temperature is between 16-18°C, which will allow its aromatic complexity and fine tannins to fully express themselves. This Saint-Émilion Grand Cru has potential for further development but is already harmonious and inviting in its youth.