2016 Chateau Laroque 'Les Tours de Laroque', Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, France 750ml

Focused and pure aromas of blueberries and blackcurrants with plenty of flowers, such as violets. Full-bodied, firm and velvety with firm tannins and a flavorful finish.

Laroque’s vines are over 50 years old and form an incomparable genetic heritage, the precision and diversity of which bring about a purity of expression and authenticity in the wines.

TERROIRS Plateau made up of chestnut-coloured and red clays over asteria limestone with east-facing terraces and west-facing slopes of very chalky, fine blueish clays.

VINEYARD 61 hectares (151 acres) of old vines from massal selections - Merlot and Cabernet of over 50 years old.

HARVEST Manual harvesting on a plot-by-plot basis according to terroir and ripeness. The Merlot was picked on 13, 14 October and from 17 to 22 October. The Cabernets on 22 October.

BLEND 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc

ANALYSIS DATA ALC: 14.2° - pH: 3.43 – Total SO2: less than 60mg/l

VINIFICATION Plot by plot vinification in small capacity concrete and stainless steel vats. Gentle extraction via a mix of punching down of cap and pump-overs. Protective macerations aiming for more flesh and aromatic intensity.

AGEING Reductive ageing on fine lees partially in barriques and partially vats. First sulphiting after 3 to 4 months of ageing; the second during the following winter, before the bottling. Bottled on 11 and 13 June 2018.