In Bond Fine Wine. 2020 Château Laroque, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Grand Cru Classé • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (AG). Drinking window: 2024–2047. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Laroque is fast becoming one of the most compelling names in Saint Emilion, thanks largely to its cooler, limestone-rich terroir perched high on the plateau. This location and terroir brings a natural freshness and precision to the wines—qualities that really shine in warmer years. Since David Suire took the reins in 2015, the estate has undergone a quiet transformation. Laroque is a big property of 60 hecatres but now only the best parcels—mostly old-vine Merlot with a little Cabernet Franc—make it into the Grand Vin. The result is a wine that are pure, vibrant, and mineral-driven. Recent vintages like 2022 and 2021 have wowed critics and collectors alike, offering Grand Cru quality at a much friendlier price. With its combination of cool terroir, thoughtful winemaking, and growing critical acclaim, Laroque is now firmly on the radar for Saint Emilion lovers looking for value.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 95–97/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 25/05/2021
Possibly one of the best buys out there, the 2020 Chateau Laroque comes from a cooler, clay and limestone terroir on the eastern side of the appellation, and this is exactly what you wanted in this vintage. Revealing a vivid purple hue as well as stunning notes of blueberries, cassis, liquid violets, and white truffle, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant te…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 96/100 · Vinous, 23/02/2023 · Drink 2027-2045
The 2020 Laroque is even better than the en primeur sample. Dark and enveloping, with tons of class, Laroque is a winner. Succulent dark plum, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice and pipe tobacco give the 2020 tons of nuance. Laroque is class personified. Winemaker David Suire is doing important work here.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW (LPB) — 94–96/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 21/05/2021 · Drink 2024 - 2044
The 2020 Laroque is a blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aging for around 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. The alcohol is 14.5%. Displaying a deep purple-black color, it slowly unfurls in the glass to reveal fantastically opulent notes of Indian spices, rose oil, dark chocolate and licorice, over a core of blueberry preserves, stewed plums and mulberries, plus a hint of dri…