Château Laroque

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend 2020

9.4

Far more expressive than the 2019 at this stage, the 2020 Château Laroque is a gorgeous example of young Bordeaux and my first encounter with this vintage. The nose is quite generous at first and only closes down with time in the decanter, continuing the trend that I find with young Cru Classé Bordeaux of actually not benefitting from exposure to air. I wonder at what age this begins having a beneficial effect? Anyway, it’s replete with dark and sappy aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, cocoa, and graphite. The palate is rich, saturated and savoury, but fresh and not over-extracted, and following a relatively red fruited profile for this part of Bordeaux and certainly the wine does not possess any plush or luxurious character. No, this is a gastronomic St Emilion with great structure and length, which should age wonderfully. It may not be long before I pull the cork on another.

94+

May 2025 — 8 days ago

Ruud, jesus and 4 others liked this

Paul Hobbs

Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Karen Lowenstein

9.3

This was rich and delicious especially with a tasty steak kabob. — 23 days ago

Varnier-Fanniere

Cuvée St. Denis Grand Cru Brut Champagne Chardonnay

Jan A

9.3

'18/'19 blend, bit higher dosage, good acids — 12 days ago

Tom and Doug liked this

Château Côte de Baleau

St. Émilion Grand Cru Red Bordeaux Blend 2022

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 2022 | Just delivered and put away in the cellar. Paired with a simple chicken roulade, baked potatoes and salad. One hour in decanter. My goodness, excellent performance. Sultry cherries and laurel in the cheerful scent. Beautiful integrated tannins, nothing to complain about the 14,5 abv. Velvety taste. Made my wife very happy; I buy Merlot wines for her. Happy wife, happy life 🥰 — 5 days ago

Dave, Eric and 15 others liked this