Chateau Laroze 2023

Floral nose, finely fruity, spicy, fresh; seductive on the palate as well, you want to swallow immediately, perfectly gauged tannins, crystal-clear fruit, wood perfectly judged, spicy and red-fruited on the finish. Another success, will be enjoyable early, can age.

Red berry and ripe plum aromas introduce a broad attack reflected in rather fine tannins, with some extraction felt, but overall smooth—the kind of wine for which barrel aging will improve the tone, given the savory, ripe fruit. There is excellent structure as well for cellaring. Aged in 60% new oak.

Mint, chocolate, espresso, smoke, and plum aromatics show effortlessly. Medium-bodied, with a fresh, sweet, vibrant core of red pit fruits that are on display in the soft, creamy finish. You can enjoy this with just a year or so of aging, and it will only get better after that. Drink from 2027-2039.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections. Delicately floral aromas, also black forest berries, dark cherries, a hint of cassis, candied lime zest. Juicy, harmonious and elegant, fresh acidity, fine, supporting tannins, chocolatey nuances on the finish, balanced and long. Exceptionally successful this year.

Deep inky plum in colour, with vivid violet reflections; this is again a classic classified St Emilion, with a rich, silky texture across the palate, plenty of grip and lift. It feels exuberant, with damson and black cherry, pomegranate and slate, and a kick of black chocolate. Meslin family. They have now stopped working organically at Laroze after huge mildew issues in 2021 (although of course only treating where necessary), 30% new oak.

Generous and up front in feel, with a core of dark plum and currant preserves laced gently with violet, iris and black tea. The supple finish lingers nicely. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032. 10,700 cases made.