A beautifully refined Right Bank Bordeaux, the 2020 Château Laroque shows exceptional purity and precision. Layered with violets, dark berries, wet stone, and subtle spice, it combines elegance with depth and structure. Rated up to 96 points by Decanter, it offers silky tannins, impressive freshness, and outstanding ageing potential. A standout value from Saint-Émilion’s rising elite, drinking beautifully from 2025 onward.

Decanter | D 96
Published: Jul 2, 2024
Drink: 2025-2055

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!

James Suckling | JS 94
Published: May 14, 2023

Aromas of sweet berries with herbs, wet earth and moss undertones as well as fresh mushrooms. Medium- to full-bodied with ultra-fine and creamy tannins and a lovely finish. It’s polished and refined. Drink after 2025, but already very pretty.

The Wine Advocate | RP 93
Published: Apr 06, 2023
Drink: 2023-2040

The 2020 Laroque has turned out nicely, bursting with aromas of cherries, minty blackberries, licorice and bay leaf. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and layered, with good depth at the core, chalky but refined tannins and a saline finish, it's another strong performance for this rising star of Saint-Émilion.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16
Published: Jan 24, 2024
Drink: 2026-2032

Tasted blind. Very dark with black core. Intense, ripe but not overripe black fruit. Rather better on the palate, with a lightness of touch, and lighter-than-average tannins. A little bit pinched on the finish and a bit woody. (JH)