2020 Laroque, St-Émilion

This vintage seems to combine aspects of the 2018 with the 2019, and with the lowest pH since the 2016 vintage. It exudes violets, rich black (but also cool blue) fruit, cherry and an unmistakably appealing expression of wet stone. By this vintage, 70% of the wine had been aged in grand formats of oak, yielding fruit purity. The sizes of the oak aging vessels vary. Some are 500 litres; others 3,000 and even 9,000. The wine has a certain iron rich aspect but communicates airy elegance and richness. Long finish indeed! (PK)

Laroque is one of the most exciting properties in Bordeaux, and still the first place I look when considering top‑tier value in the region. Since David Suire took over in 2015—bringing the same precision and terroir‑first philosophy he now applies at Larcis Ducasse—the estate has been on a remarkable ascent, crafting wines with striking texture, depth, and an elegance and freshness that feel almost improbable at this price point. The critical acclaim may be enthusiastic, but it’s entirely earned. Ultimately, though, what matters is what’s in the glass, and this 2020—one of the great modern Right Bank vintages—shows exactly why Laroque has shifted from an insider’s secret to a must‑have reference point for value‑driven collectors. Bright, pure fruit, seamless texture, incredibly fine tannins, and that unmistakable limestone signature all come together in a wine that feels both complete and effortless. It’s already a pleasure to drink, yet it has the balance and precision to reward patience for many years to come.