Laroque - Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2023
Château Laroque: The Renaissance of a Historic Terroir in Saint-Émilion
Château Laroque, one of the oldest estates in Saint-Émilion, traces its origins to the 12th century. A steadfast witness to the passing ages, the château stands high above the landscape, with its fortified tower—a relic of its medieval past—surveying the land. Positioned on an extraordinary limestone plateau, Laroque enjoys a unique terroir at the intersection of Saint-Émilion's finest soils. To the west, limestone outcrops similar to those at Clos Fourtet lend the wines finesse and a distinct minerality. Further east, layers of red clay intermingle with hard limestone, evoking the characteristic terroirs of Pavie-Macquin and Troplong-Mondot. And along the sunset-facing slopes, rich in Fronsadais molasses, one is reminded of the hallowed grounds of Ausone and Tertre-Roteboeuf.
Château Laroque flourished during a golden age in the 19th century, until phylloxera, the Great Depression, and the wars took their toll on its owners, leaving the estate to lie dormant.In 1935, however, the Beaumartin family took on the challenge, purchasing the estate and initiating its revival. The vineyards would not truly flourish again until the early 1960s, when 40 hectares were replanted. This extended period of fallow—rare and invaluable—proved to be a gift: today, the 61 hectares of vines, some of them 50 years old, draw strength from soil naturally restored over decades.
Today, with Stanislas Droin and David Suire at the helm, Château Laroque is once again in its prime, crafting wines of remarkable intensity and authenticity, infused with the depth and timeless essence of this exceptional terroir.