2023 Laroque, St-Emilion

Really perfumed nose, highly scented with purple flowers and dark ripe fruit - blackcurrant, damson plum and black cherry. Deep aromatics with lots of tobacco and clove spice on the nose. It’s heady, strongly scented and alive. Cool and crisp on the palate, smooth, so silky, really effortless in the tannin presentation. Juicy and clean, so bright, but not sour or tart, just the right side, so it’s lifted but not overly austere. Once the acidity calms down in comes the salty, mineral base giving lots of liquorice, wet stone and graphite tones, putting you squarely on limestone. Fruit is ripe and there is the softest chew to the expression but it keeps a relatively sleek frame. A bit minty. I would have thought there was more Cabernet in the blend than there is. It’s not so layered, but it’s certainly finessed and graceful on the palate with lots of precision and movement from start to finish. One that makes you want another sip straight away. (GH)

What Laroque has accomplished in the past half decade deserves any wine lover's attention, and this 2023 is no exception. Engaging aromas of red plum and tobacco lead to a palate with remarkable refinement and detail that speak to a caliber that defies this wine's modest price. A melange of bright red and black fruits carry a palate that is lifted by bright acidity, fine tannins, and a long, limestone-tinged finish. The complete package, this is one that will find fans of traditional Bordeaux, or complex reds from anywhere in the world.