Laroze 2015, GCC St Emilion

This bottle of 2015 Laroze is a genuine wine work, boasting a natural, delightful red-fruited first nose of red currents and plums. Its unique blend of more than 60% Merlot fruit brings a certain ripeness and darker tones, making it stand out among other wines. The extended oak ageing and storage add a hint of chocolatey, cedary, and forestry tones, giving it a truly distinctive character. The remaining 40% of Cabernet Franc provides a refreshing touch, with grass tones that perfectly complement the rest of the flavours. This wine echoes the stylistic influence of du Tertre of Margaux, particularly from the Franc, making it an excellent choice for wine enthusiasts.

Regarding palate, this wine is a powerhouse, boasting a powerful, dry, and edging flavour that is sure to impress. The long and intense liquorice finish is packed with lots of flavours and bold but balanced tannins, making it a wine that needs time to mature and fully reveal its true potential, even for now. It's best consumed between 2023 and 2038, so save it for a special occasion. The wine has been praised by various critics, with scores awarded like Decanter94, JD94, RP93, and JS92, all of whom have been impressed by its bold flavours, unique character, and refreshing touch. 

The scores for this wine are truly impressive, with Decanter awarding it a well-deserved 94 points. Decanter wrote that Château Laroze's 2015 vintage is a fine wine, earning high praise from various critics. The wine blends Merlot and Cabernet Franc, aged in oak barrels. JD94 interpreted it as having a tight garnet rim with a deep ruby core and a vibrant aroma of red currants, black raspberries, and plums with hints of violets, chocolate-covered cherries, and lavender. Robert Parker awarded 93 points and said the wine is medium-bodied, finely crafted, and elegantly styled with plush, polished tannins. In comparison, James Suckling gave 93 points and said it has plenty of youthful, exuberant red and black fruit layers which build up with time.