Chateau Laroze Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion

VINTAGE FACT SHEET 2011

2012-01-17T08:10:00.002Z

Often the climate excesses give the specifities of the vintage. What where they in 2011?

The grapes are starting to colour up

2011-07-27T10:41:00.001+01:00

The collection point of all the drains in the various plots of my vineyard has been dry for some weeks now, since the beginning of July during my summer break. I didn’t note down the date at which it dried up in 2009, but it was in mid-August! The vines’ growth cycle is also well ahead of itself, so the fact that my pipe has dried up and the grapes have begun to change colour is logical, because

The water reserves in the soils

2011-06-14T14:35:00.000+01:00

This morning the collection point, which is fed by the water from all the vineyard drains was flowing with the volume of a 20 mm pipe, whereas at the same period last year, I noted a flow equivalent to a 60 mm pipe. Last year, the flow went down to 20 mm around 25 July, which means that we are a full month’s useful water reserves short in 2011!The frequency and volume of the rainfall in July and

A few showers

2011-06-14T06:41:00.001+01:00

10 June 2011: Thirty millimetres of rain fell this week between the 5th and 10th of June. This constitutes a good watering mid-term that gives the vine some respite, enabling it to continue to develop comfortably.

The Mildiou

2011-06-14T06:40:00.000+01:00

8 June 2011: The first cases of the most important disease to affect vines in the Bordeaux area – downy mildew – only appeared on the 7th of June with the much-awaited refreshing rainfall.This disease is basically linked to warm temperatures and humidity. The major drought conditions at the beginning of this year only delayed its appearance. As a result, we have not had to spray the vines as much

See the Spring Newsletter

2011-06-10T07:29:00.002+01:00

Informations about the climate in 2011, how the flowering was going, the general evolutions about Laroze. Go to the letter.

Gault et Millau 17,5/20

2011-06-01T04:26:00.001+01:00

Very subtle, floral with gorgeously elegant structure. The sheer delight of fresh, tender fruit with hints of benzoin. (Pierre Guigui)

B.BURTSCHY 93/100 16/20

2011-05-19T18:03:00.002+01:00

Dark colour. Intense nose, elegant. All in elegance and length on the palate, straight, superb very pure finish.

DECANTER 16,5/20

2011-05-19T17:53:00.001+01:00

More structured than the '09 but without exaggeration. The tender side of Laroze still shows. Lovely fruit expression. Good length. Harmonious. Drink 2016-2025.

Bettane-Desseauve 16-17

2011-05-03T09:42:00.001+01:00

A pretty wine, superbly balanced with nothing heavy about it. Lovely rich fruit, smooth, more-ish, elegant length.

Revue des Vins de France 15.5-16.5

2011-05-01T15:38:00.001+01:00

Clear progress in the quality of the tannins. They are often a little harsh on the palate, but they are smooth and mellow, which makes this year’s wine very attractive. They are also particularly ripe. With its explosive fruit aromas this wine has gained enormously in roundness. Philippe Maurange.

René Gabriel

2011-05-01T15:31:00.001+01:00

Château Laroze : 17Lafleur Laroze : 16

Niel Martin 86-89

2011-05-01T15:28:00.002+01:00

This is certainly displaying some sur-maturite on the nose with touches of fresh prune and fig. The palate is full-bodied with chewy tannins, moderate acidity, attractive purity and showing more refinement and composure towards the sinewy finish. Tasted March 2011.

Jancis Robinson 16/20

2011-04-20T14:39:00.001+01:00

Lively and round and very sweet.

JM.QUARIN 16,50-16,75/20

2011-04-11T20:15:00.000+01:00

My best score given to this estate’s wines “en primeur”.This is the most subtle Laroze I know.Dark, intense, beautiful robe. Elegant, fruity, ripe, smooth, subtle bouquet. Smooth attack, mellow as it develops, very hedonistic, the wine fills out to become rich and airy. Packed with aromas, its finish is long, complex and elegant. Delicious and more epicurean than ever. A great success.

Wine Spectator. James Mollesworth: 89-92

2011-04-11T20:14:00.000+01:00

Shows more toasty spice and vanilla aromas, with the core of plum and blackberry fruit staying in reserve for now. Yet there’s solid length, with good grip on the finish. (ndlr: tasted in the US)

James Suckling 91-92

2011-04-02T15:44:00.003+01:00

He tasted and published his commentaries far before others and made many jalous...Roses and berries, with hints of milk chocolate. Full and velvety.

Press Review on Laroze 2010

2011-04-02T15:39:00.002+01:00

It is the beginning of the tastings of the vintage 2010 for the professionnals and journalists.Their commentaries will regularly be published here and will also be accessible on a sheet "press review" on the web site of Laroze.

The last grapes:

2010-10-26T15:37:00.001+01:00

In fact we did not start harvesting the Cabernet Franc again until 20th October, finishing them the following day including the Cabernet Sauvignon.On the 22nd, we organised our end-of-the-harvest “Gerbaude” celebration with the 58 people, who took part over a lunch-time buffet. It was a relief and great satisfaction to have been able to wait for the grapes to ripen properly while being able to

Cabernet franc.

2010-10-15T07:09:00.004+01:00

We finished to pick the merlot grapes last wednesday 13th and will start to pick the cabernet franc next monday oct 18th. The last year we finished to pick the cabernet franc late was in 2008 from 14th to the 16th of october with a very good result. We had picked the cabernet sauvignon at the same date but this year we are going to wait them a bit more as long at the leaves of the vignes keep

The first tank of 2010

2010-10-15T06:42:00.003+01:00

We started picking the Merlot on 8 October and we will finish on Wednesday 13. We will see on Wednesday if we start the Cabernet Franc of if we wait a little longer. They have improved noticeably since the last rain we had. The 10 mm of rainfall this weekend will do them good. This morning, we tasted the juice from the first tanks of Merlot, which are just starting to ferment. They are

Last news before picking

2010-09-27T07:26:00.004+01:00

27/09/2010 : The last rainfall of last thursday and friday (sept 23 and 24) gave us 13 mm of water which realease the vignes from drought at the door step from the picking. I already noticed that the last rain started to tender the skins of the berries and make them growing bigger which is a good sign. Since last friday (sept 24), the temperatures dropped down and should stay at a low level all

2010 vintage. How is it going?

2010-06-21T14:29:00.000+01:00

It is about time we reviewed the current vintage. It is now June and a few things have happened, so the emerging 2010 vintage can be contemplated with a certain degree of perspective.Last winter was what I call a proper winter. It was cold like winters should be and the cold lasted right through to the end. I don’t follow rainfall from October to February, because the rain gauge breaks when it

Press review Laroze 2009

2010-04-30T16:02:00.000+01:00

Clic on the title to get the total press review for Laroze 2009.

Robert Parker

2010-04-30T15:59:00.001+01:00

A fruity, elegant, soft St Emilion meant to be consumed over the next 6-8 years, the 2009 Laroze exhibits sandy, loamy soil notes intermixed with hints of toasted herbs, sweat black cherries, and currants. This easy-going wine will have broad appeal. 86/88(It seems like Mr Parker is the only one to have missed the real qualities of this wine...(G.Meslin)

Notes on the notes

2010-04-28T14:36:00.000+01:00

I’ve finished reviewing the press response to the 2009 primeurs, or at least those I am aware of. In overall terms, the general message is that Laroze’s position amongst the Saint-Emilion crus classés has moved upwards with an average score of 16-17, which is very good from the journalists who habitually give fairly low scores, and a little low for those who tend to mark higher. I often feel

La Revue du Vin de France 16/17

2010-04-27T15:04:00.001+01:00

Magnificently well-made vintage. Dense, very floral, complex bouquet. Full and sensual on the palate with tasty tannins. Nice and ripe, but remains very fresh. The wine has become bigger and riper, and the tannins are much smoother.16/17 (Philippe Maurange)

BETTANE & DESSEAUVE 16,5-17/20

2010-04-27T15:01:00.001+01:00

This cru classé, located between Libourne and Saint-Émilion has been using organic methods for a while now. Now advised by Hubert de Boüard, Laroze has held on to its pure, non-pretentious style, while smoothing the edges of a wine that can sometimes be a little abrupt. 16,5-17/20

Niel Martin Primeur 2009

2010-04-21T14:43:00.002+01:00

« Tasted at Angélus.This has a very ripe, apricot, fig and black cherry scented nose that has noticeable warm alcohol. Very plush and with a lot of creamy new oak. The palate is very supple and rounded on the entry, slightly lower acidity than others, harmonious with supple black cherry, boysenberry and date; lush and generous towards the finish. Tasted March 2010.” 88-90.

James Suckling

2010-04-07T14:22:00.003+01:00

Blueberry and mineral aromas. Follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a medium finish.

Decanter rating 2009

2010-04-07T07:52:00.004+01:00

Three stars only for Laroze but with 16-plus, which is the best score in the three stars category, just a little step before to get in the four stars. Within the 57 Grand Crus Classés, it puts us back to the 20th position. JM.Quarin put us in the five/seven best wines."A very pretty wine this year. Ripe, fragrant,gentle and restrained. Supple fruit with a fine tannic frame. Drink 2014-2024"

Laroze invited at Angélus

2010-04-01T07:50:00.000+01:00

This week as the 2009 primeurs are being tasted, we are at Château Angélus with Hubert de Boüard, amongst the wines made on family estates and the growing number of properties where Hubert is involved as an advisor - today about 20.I asked Hubert in 2009 to join our technical team at Laroze and to help us build a higher profile with journalists, wine importers and distributors worldwide. These

JM.Quarin Laroze 2009

2010-03-30T07:50:00.001+01:00

16.5The best score I have given this wine en primeurLaroze is an outsider in Saint-Emilion – you just need to take note of the quality today of the 2003, 2005 and 2008. So Guy Meslin continues to improve his quality patiently, thoughtfully and discretely. He clearly seeks to achieve long-term results: Laroze is often better at the end of ageing and in the bottle than as a primeur. I tasted all

A long, cold winter

2010-03-12T14:55:00.000Z

A long, cold winter still with temperatures well below zero in the week from 7 to 13 March and morning frosts down to minus 7°C. This suits us fine, because it delays the start of growth in the vines and lessens the risk of damage from morning frosts in April. This year the April full moon falls late in the month and a last cold snap could always surprise us around the 28th, when it comes.

Gold Medal: Laroze 2006

2009-05-06T07:03:00.002+01:00

At « Concours Mondial de Bruxelles », the past april 25,26,27th. This international recognition places Laroze 2006 at the rank of the very best wines produced around the world. We are very proud of it!

Gold Medal: Laroze 2003.

2009-05-04T16:00:00.003+01:00

Women and wine: a very wide subject full of promise. During the "féminalise" competition on 23 April, the exclusively women tasters saluted the great quality of the 2003 vintage. This is a delightful nod to my family history because the Laroze estate was founded by a woman in 1882 (my great, great grandmother) and handed down by another in the 60’s (my grandmother).Our soils of silica on top of

Laroze Primeurs tasting: 15-16/20

2009-05-04T15:54:00.002+01:00

The château produces a modern, flattering style of wine. The 2008 seems to be of this pattern with a solid, no-nonsense attack, and lovely volume. It is big on the palate, the fruit appears to be very ripe, slightly crystallised and the imposing tannins are still a little sharp. The whole thing needs to meld, and then the wine will be appealing and lavish.RVF (La Revue des vins de France)

Laroze 2008 Primeurs (16)

2009-04-09T04:51:00.002+01:00

Guy Meslin continues to develop quality, offering us his 2008 that has the same lineage as the 2005 and 2003.The bouquet is intense and pretty. The nose is distinctively fruity with floral and creamy undertones. It strokes the palate, then becomes silky and pulpy, while taking on size in the middle. It goes on with heaps of flavour and a hint of very ripe raspberry. It really builds up then

Laroze 2008 Primeurs (87/90)

2009-04-09T04:47:00.002+01:00

Grape, blackberry and tare aromas follow through a meduim body, with firm tannins and a solid finish. A compact wine.(I can't really recognise Laroze 2008 in this comment...)GM.James Suckling (USA)

Chateau Laroze 2006 (90+)

2009-04-09T04:44:00.003+01:00

An outstanding Laroze that’s showing even better now that it’s bottled ! It boasts creamy plum aromas intermingled with crème de cassis and broad liquefied-mineral notes, as well as an opaque plum-ruby color. Superb intensity, a medium to full-body, finessed, and deeply penetrating with plum/berry flavour and a

Chateau Laroze 2007 (86-87+)

2009-04-09T04:37:00.003+01:00

The tender and ripe Laroze delivers sweet plum notes intermixed with cherry, pebble, and notions of crème de cassis aromas. Opaque ruby in color, medium-bodied, plum infused, and low in acidity. It looks set to be a charming vintage to cellar and consume over the next 12-15 years.Alan Duran (February 2009)

The hail on july 28th 2008

2009-04-09T04:15:00.005+01:00

A quick look back on this climate calamity which devastated 30% of the vineyard. It damaged one side of the bunches and disturbed the normal maturation of a certain quantity of berries which were still intact. It was important to be able to seperate theses berries in different vats. So at the end of august, at a time where we had no certitude on the issu of this vintage except that august was

Cork quality

2009-04-08T04:32:00.002+01:00

We are currently ordering our dry materials ready for bottling, so we often discuss the perennial subject of corks, their quality and price and the fact that despite all the precautions we take with our suppliers, anomalies of taste and aroma are always attributable to them on one occasion or another. And this of course is true for all wines, whatever their price, that use natural corks.

The taste of Laroze 2007

2009-04-08T04:26:00.001+01:00

I’m not sure I’m the least well-placed to discuss this, but in any case up to today, I am one of the few to have any information on the subject, because the wine has not been distributed yet, so I can “just do it” without any particular hang-ups.If any wine has sex-appeal, this one does. All the ingredients are melded and in place. The wood is nicely blended in and quite flattering, and nicely

How do we explain to our customers that 2008 is superb despite a cool summer?

2009-03-30T09:50:00.003+01:00

The first fortnight in July was fine and hot at a time when the grapes were in full growth. This made the skins grow thicker to protect the fruit against the heat. This first development helped the grapes fend off outside attacks during the long final ripening period, while also producing a large quantity of tannins and colour. The second factor was the long exceptional Indian summer,

A major reference book for the Bordeaux trade:

2009-02-26T11:04:00.001Z

The Bordeaux brokers “Les Grands Cru”, who specialise in wine transactions between the estates and the Bordeaux wine merchants, have published a superb book, unfortunately in only 800 copies (what a pity!), to commemorate their tenth anniversary.The authors did not fall into the trap of writing what could have been a boring collection of memories, but quoted interviews with well-known characters

Chronicling the taste of wine

2009-02-26T11:02:00.000Z

In his latest January 2009 publication (no. 57), Jean-Marc Quarin, goes beyond his usual tasting remarks, revealing a little more of his own personal perceptions regarding the taste of wine and describing a little of how he personally takes his bearings with regard to aromas and tastes, so that we might benefit.This professional goes a great deal further than a lot of his colleagues to try to

The wine in 2008

2008-12-06T06:40:00.000Z

The tannins that ripened slowly at the end of the season without it ever being very hot, are especially soft and elegant this year. Right after the alcoholic fermentation the sensation on the palate is delicate and rich like never before.This vintage, which grew in such difficult weather, has produced a remarkable wine that no-body would have dreamed of, had the harvest taken place at a usual

How to prepare a bottle for tasting ?

2008-12-06T06:27:00.003Z

When I organise a vertical tasting at Laroze, I decant the very young wines such as the 2006 and 2005 vintages three hours before and the earlier vintages of Laroze and Lafleur Laroze, an hour and a half prior to the tasting. My carafes are not as wide as the one in the photo.The older Lafleur Laroze vintages from 2001 to 2003 are just opened. I pour out a few centilitres from the bottle, which

THE 2008 WINEGROWING YEAR AND HARVEST

2008-10-27T06:34:00.004Z

2008 featured a fine summer that followed a wet spring. It was back to usual weather patterns after an atypical 2007. The vegetation began growing relatively slowly in the cool, damp conditions making this year no earlier than average. However every year has its own excesses and 2008 brought abundant rain in May and June, practically three times the average for May.This wet weather at flowering

2008 so far

2008-08-07T07:00:00.005+01:00

A gorgeous Summer with a wet Spring before it.We are back to normal weather patterns compared to 2007. Growth started slowly in cool, wet conditions, so the year was not early in that respect. Since every year something has to be excessive, 2008 had abundant rain in May and June, almost three times the average quantity for May. July was dry with three consecutive weeks without rain and the

The website

2008-08-07T06:58:00.004+01:00

11,700 visits to the Laroze website in the accounting period from 1 August 2007 to 31 July 2008 from 85 countries, the main ones being: France 8,970, Belgium 562, Germany 461, USA 298, the Netherlands 248, Canada 169, UK 164, Switzerland 162, Ireland 64 and Italy 45. I notice that even if absolute numbers of visitors are not very high, the number of countries is clearly increasing, which raises

Flowering

2008-06-16T09:03:00.000+01:00

Flowering started a week late at the end of May and beginning of June. It was fast, uniform and took place at the same time for all varieties. With the new moon on Tuesday 3 June, we were expecting the fine weather to settle in and the return of the anticyclone was announced, but it is dragging its feet and the storms and showers are still prevalent!

Weather report

2008-06-12T11:24:00.000+01:00

Spring is being strongly influenced by ocean weather systems with patterns of westerly winds and alternating rainy and warm periods.As soon as the fine weather arrives, temperatures go up and it gets stormy in the evenings.May was tropical, like we rarely experience it here with exceptionally high rainfall of 200 mm (20 litres per sq. m) compared to the ten-year average of 70 mm. This is ideal

Wine and alcohol

2008-06-02T16:03:00.000+01:00

1) China, like Russia, are in favour of importing wines into their countries to reduce the level of alcoholism that results from the traditional consumption of strong spirits (rice alcohol, vodka, etc.). Replacing 45° or more by 12 to 14° is a good thing.2) France, the ancestral producer and consumer of wine, under pressure from anti-alcoholic, fundamentalist or puritanical lobbyists, is trying

Imports open up in Hong Kong

2008-06-01T06:36:00.001+01:00

This morning’s newspaper reported that since Hong Kong has eliminated customs duty on imported wines, in the last two months, volumes coming into the country increased by 120% while the value of wine imports rose by 200%, compared to the same two months last year. The floodgates are opening to quench the big

Bordeaux wine merchants and China

2008-06-01T06:34:00.000+01:00

At Vinexpo Hong Kong I get the impression that I took part in this major group educational effort organised for the Chinese on wine. Today they are hungry for contact with producers and business cards. Tomorrow, some of them will be buyers. But trying to get them to understand how wine distribution is organised around

The Chinese and wine

2008-06-01T06:31:00.000+01:00

At Vinexpo, I was pleasantly surprised to see as many women as men attending the tasting held by the Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classés. In France it took almost 2,000 years for women to come to wine (sometimes having to overturn disapproval from men).In Hong Kong, wine is new. It isn’t made into something sacred nor

2008-05-23T07:15:00.003+01:00

Blackcurrant, raspberry, powerful bouquet, vigorous palate, nicely balanced, good length, raspy on the finish. 14.5 (J.Dupont).

Vinexpo Hong-Kong

2008-05-21T06:25:00.006+01:00

We are attending Vinexpo Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong from 27 to 29 May at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on stand EF 44 10.You will be able to taste Laroze and Lafleur Laroze vines in the 2003, 2005 and 2006 vintages.Only our partner merchants, who are attending the exhibition will negotiate prices on these wines.They will offer Laroze 2005 for tasting (Veyret Latour will have 2006)

The investments in communication

2008-05-13T09:30:00.004+01:00

€20,000 of promotional spending in publications is a big sum for us and the 2008 budget is the same as in 2007. It has been two years now that we have invested in support for the new Laroze and Lafleur Laroze labels to help our merchants garner recognition for them in their sales networks.The magazines we have decided to advertise in are: - Revue des Vins de France- Decanter- Revue du Sommelier

Robert Parker 2007 and 2005

2008-05-05T06:41:00.002+01:00

Laroze 2007: not scored. I don’t know why, but perhaps he was put off by the 20% of Cabernet Franc in our sample, which will nevertheless contribute aromatic freshness and a feeling of youth during ageing.We shall see the score he will give when he tastes it again in a year’s time. Shame, a good score would have given us the boost we need. Having said that, we have never built nor benefited from

The merchants recover their true role

2008-05-04T17:01:00.001+01:00

The good thing about this 2007 vintage is that it enables the merchants to recover genuine credibility by playing their role as advisors for their customers. Especially in view of the wide differences and sometimes even contradictions between two journalists’ comments on the same wine, buyers are confused and turn to the merchants, who supply them to obtain real advice. Should they buy this or

2007 Bettane/Desseauve - RVF.

2008-04-29T20:55:00.005+01:00

BETTANE & DESSEAUVECHATEAU LAROZE 2007 - 15/20Good colour, fresh bouquet with its palette of red fruit and hints of green pepper; a mature, balanced wine.REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCECHATEAU LAROZE 2007 - No scoreThis classed growth always has difficulty distinguishing itself as a future. The sample tasted had taken on a lot of wood and had hints of unripe greenness. It was tight and constrained, yet

jean-Marc Quarin

2008-04-28T10:34:00.003+01:00

Château LAROZE St-Emilion Grand Cru 2007 15,75 - 16Dark robe, purple with normal intensity. Fresh, fruity bouquet that includes a hint of blackcurrant bud. Quite complex. Lovely initial sensations – the wine caresses the palate, then develops to deliver lots of fruit. It is silky and tasty with a subtle feel on the palate. Subsequently, rich, the palate slowly reveals taste, density and depth.

The end of the Spring frosts?

2008-04-21T13:12:00.004+01:00

- The weather forecast has announced the arrival of Spring as of next Wednesday.Frost:The risk of Spring frosts is now over, I think, because the full moon is behind us. During the night of Sunday 6th to Monday 7th, we came very close to frost when temperatures reached minus 2°C. Some areas around Bordeaux were affected more than others, but not enough to say outright that Bordeaux was hit by

Jancis Robinson: 2007 futures

2008-04-21T13:03:00.004+01:00

Ch Laroze 2007 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 16 Drink 2012-17Almost overripe nose. Very sweet and round with a much gentler finish than most. Full and lively. Pretty promising...Nez presque surmûr. Trés enrobé et rond avec une finale beaucoup plus douce que beaucoup. Plein et vivant. Prometteur..._______________________________________________________________I find these sincere comments

The Blog of Château Laroze, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé

2008-04-21T09:55:00.003+01:00

Hello everyone,The purpose of this blog is to give Château Laroze a higher profile beyond the newsletters that already exist on the Laroze website.This blog will replace the website News page.I will not be posting daily news, but will provide articles as the news of the estate, its vines and its wines happens and as events in the wider wine-growing context take place.