Chateau Laroque St Emilion
| Vintage: | 2020 |
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| Description: | "Possibly one of the best buys out there" - Jeb Dunnuck. "Laroque is class personified" - Antonio Galloni, Vinous. "It's a stunning bottle of wine" - Jeb Dunnuck. We are thrilled to offer one of the best Bordeaux buys of the year. We received a limited amount of the stunning Chateau Laroque of Saint Emilion from the excellent 2020 vintage. Laroque showcases a full-bodied profile laden with dark fruited goodness. The blackberries, blueberries, cassis and plum envelop the palate yet remain oh so fresh with a very long-lasting finish. The critics' scores for this wine are off the charts. Lisa Perroti-Brown, formerly of the Wine Advocate gave this wine a score of 97 Points noting its, "rounded tannins" as well as its, "great length and depth.". Antonio Galloni of Vinous gave this wine 96 Points and called it' "class personified.". Jeb Dunnuck tasted this wine out of barrel and gave it a score of 95-97 Points calling it, "possibly one of the best buys out there" and "a stunning bottle of wine.". Chteau Laroque, with its mighty 12th century tower, is an imposing feature in the Saint-Emilion area. The estate is built on a plateau of limestone rock from which the estate took its name. Wine has been produced here for centuries and this historic estate eventually became one of the largest in Saint-Emilion. With the appointment of estate manager Bruno Sainson, Chteau Laroque rediscovered its boldness and identity and emerged as one of the finest growths in Saint-Emilion, rising to the rank of Grand Cru Class in 1996. More recently, the Beaumartin family brought in David Suire in 2015 to take over the management of the wine estate. A new chapter has thus begun in the history of this majestic property and the wines have never been better. Laroque's vines are over 50 years old and form an incomparable genetic heritage, the precision and diversity of which bring about a purity of expression and authenticity in the wines. The gentle vine-clad south-facing slopes of the plateau consist of limestone covered by a fine layer of clay. The vineyards are largely planted to Merlot which on limestone gives the wines flesh and vibrancy. The addition of Cabernet Franc brings length on the palate and a freshness to the wine. The wine is matured in barriques and large casks over two winters. This long 15 to 18-month elevage is when the blending process is begun and is carried out progressively during successive rackings of the barrels. The result is a richly layered, seamless wine which delivers pleasure. This is a delicious Bordeaux of limited availability offered at the lowest price in the nation. When it's gone, it's gone!. The Wine Independent 97 Points - "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.". Vinous 96 Points - "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.". Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 Points - " Possibly one of the best buys out there, the 2020 Chteau 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. Its a stunning bottle of wine all about finesse and elegance. Tasted twice." |
| Price: | $ 36.99 |
| Price in original currency: | None |
Available from Hi-Time Wine Cellars
| Address: |
250 Ogle Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627 United States |
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| Telephone (toll-free): | 800-331-3005 |
| Telephone (regular): | 949-650-8463 |
| Fax: | 949-631-6863 |
First added to 1000 Corks on June 18, 2024.
