2020 Chateau Laroque Saint Emilion Grand Cru

Chateau Laroque's story begins in the 12th century when a small tower was erected, laying the foundation for what would become an illustrious winemaking tradition. Fast forward to the 17th century, and the magnificent Chateau we know today was brought to life by the visionary Marquis de Rochefort-Lavie. 

But, even the grandest estates faced their trials. In 1929, the Great Depression cast a shadow, and Chateau Laroque ceased its wine production. The vineyards lay dormant, waiting for a renaissance.

In 1935, the Beaumartin family acquired the estate, breathing new life into Chateau Laroque. The 1962 replanting of vineyards and winery updates set the stage for a brighter future. And the transformation truly began in 2015, when Chateau Laroque reclaimed its place in the world of fine wines.

Lush, sprawling, and meticulously cared for, Chateau Laroque's 61-hectare vineyard boasts 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. The terroir's clay and limestone soil impart a unique character to the grapes. Of these hectares, 40 are classified as Grand Cru Classe, while the remaining 21 shine as St. Emilion Grand Cru. But within those hallowed 40, only 27 are chosen to craft the pinnacle – Chateau Laroque.

At Chateau Laroque, nature reigns supreme. The vineyard thrives under 100% organic techniques, though the estate remains humbly unbound by certification. Biodiversity is the name of the game, and they are proud holders of the HVE certification.

In 2015, Chateau Laroque embarked on a mission to produce world-class wines. Guided by the capable hand of David Suire, a Bordeaux luminary, the estate's future is brighter than ever.

2020 was an exceptional vintage that was awarded 98 points by Vinous Media, who said, “An exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is exceptionally high among the great wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.”

Aging: 15 months in French oak barrels (50% new)

99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Laroque is deep garnet-purple in color. A little subdued to begin, offering subtle notes of crushed rocks and damp soil, it opens out to a core of ripe black and red plums and fresh blackberries, plus a fragrant waft of lilacs. The full-bodied palate is bursting with taut, muscular black fruits and amazing tension, framed by ripe, rounded tannins, and finishing with great length and depth. ~97 The Wine Independent

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. ~96 Vinous Media

Possibly one of the best buys out there, the 2020 Château 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 texture, and gorgeous length on the finish. It plays in the more nuanced, elegant end of the spectrum yet still brings ample fruit, richness, and texture. It’s a stunning bottle of wine all about finesse and elegance. Tasted twice. ~95-97 Jeb Dunnuck

Really focused and linear with tight, minerally tannins that are polished and energetic. It’s medium-to full-bodied with dark and blue fruit in the center palate. Long and focused. ~94-95 James Suckling

Plenty of sappy, well defined juice running underneath the moody tannic frame, but you need to look away right now because this is closed and subdued. Blueberry purée and a limestone scrape helps build momentum through the mid-palate - give this time. David Suire manages the winemaking. Drinking Window 2026 - 2040 ~92 Decanter