The 2023 Laroque is classy, elegant and polished. A wine of total understatement and class, Laroque sizzles with all of the tension that is such a signature of the limestone parcels. In some recent vintages, Laroque has been more charming at the outset. The 2023, on the other hand, is a wine that is going to require a few years in bottle to be at its finest. Tasted two times.
95+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2026)
Always look forward to tasting this in bottle, and yet again this is one of the buys of the vintage. Sapidity, mouthwatering, juicy, characterful, a ton of raspberry, redcurrant, cranberry and damson fruits, love it. Beaumartin family owners, David Suire winemaker, superbly located estate.
95 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2026)
Bright and sleek, beautifully delineated tannins with a real sense of energy and brightness while still keeping the structure and intensity. There’s concentration for sure, tannins provide a slight grip and hold on the palate with a long, fresh mint-edged finish. Another excellent wine from Laroque. Charming, classy, not super showy, a little understated but with elegance shining through.
95 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Jan 2026)
Aromas of currants, crushed stones, chalk and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that are integrated and polished. Red currant, cherry and orange peel flavors with a salty undertone. It’s refined and beautiful, with finesse and complexity. 99% merlot and 1% cabernet franc. So drinkable now. Drink or hold.
94 points, James Suckling (Dec 2025)
A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Laroque is broodier and more introverted than expected, revealing aromas of smoke, licorice, gentian and dark wild berries. Medium- to full-bodied, firm and dense, it is structured around a compact core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, ethereal and saline finish. Two to four years in bottle should allow it to unwind.
93 points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (Apr 2026)
Deep purple-hued, the 2023 Château Laroque offers ripe black cherries and darker framboise-like fruit intermixed with leafy herbs, tobacco, and damp, truffly earth-like nuances. Coming from a cooler terroir on the upper plateau, it gains minerality with time in the glass and plays in the medium-bodied, juicy, elegant style of the vintage as well as the château. Beautifully balanced and elegant, it has ripe, integrated tannins and is going to benefit from just 3-4 years of bottle age. Drink 2029-2045.
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2026)