The 2001 Château Moulin Haut-Laroque is a classic Right Bank Bordeaux blend from Fronsac, composed of 65% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Malbec from century-old vines. It features a deep ruby-purple color with notes of smoke, earth, black currants, black cherries, cedar, dried fruits, licorice, soy, mocha, herbs, and crushed stones. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, elegant, earthy, and refined, with a long, lingering finish of fresh fruit, spice, and resolved tannins. The wine is produced from a 16-hectare estate on clay-limestone soils, with hand-picked grapes fermented separately under temperature control and aged in barrels for 15-18 months.
Food Pairings
This savory, classic red Bordeaux pairs well with beef and venison, such as Basque bone-in sirloin, Dexter bone-in sirloin, or sirloin steak. It also complements red meats like roast duck, game, or dishes with wild mushrooms or truffle sauce. The wine’s earthy and peppery notes make it versatile for hearty meals.
Critics Reviews
- Aggregate critic score: 88/100 (based on 5 reviews: 1 in 90-94 range, 4 in 85-89 range).
-
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate: 87/100 – “A serious, tannic, deep ruby/purple-colored effort… excellent purity along with notes of smoke, earth, black currants, and black cherries. Medium-bodied and elegant.”
-
Wine Spectator: 86/100.
-
Community average (CellarTracker): 89.8/100, with notes highlighting ripe plums, blackberries, cedar, cigar box, and lively acidity.
-
Other mentions: Jean-Marc Quarin (90-94, tasted 2013: drink 2012-2025); Gault & Millau; La Revue du Vin de France.
Drink Window
2005-2025. The wine is mature and ready to drink now, with community suggestions to enjoy it soon before it enters old age, as tannins have resolved and fruit is fading in some bottles. It remains lively but is best consumed in the near term for optimal balance.
Serving Temperature
15.5°C (60°F). This cooler cellar temperature enhances the wine’s freshness and elegance.
