Chateau Laroze, Grand Cru Classe, St. Emilion, Bordeaux, 2010

Tasting: St. Emilion Grand Cru & Premier Grand Cru Classe

Oak dominates the nose and makes it hard to read the fruit, which is undeniably sweet and ripe. Broad, lush black fruits, very concentrated, hefty, but the tannins are not tough, though they are certainly assertive. It seems to lack some acidity and thus length. Slightly raw finish and it lacks finesse, though there’s ample vinosity.

Tasting: St. Emilion Grand Cru & Premier Grand Cru Classe

Big, meaty nose; even a touch reductive. Supple red berry fruit on the fresh palate. Tannins slightly green and drying on the finish.

Tasting: St. Emilion Grand Cru & Premier Grand Cru Classe

Ripe Merlot, blackberry nose. Nice smoothness on the palate and oak well blended in, still a little raw on the finish, but this is youth rather than acidity, but still a little green.