Château Laroque

Sitting on the limestone plateau from where it takes its name, Château Laroque is the largest wine estate in St-Emilion. Lying just east of the town itself, in the commune of Saint-Christophe des Bardes, it has 61 hectares of vines, although only 27 are permitted for use in its Grand Cru Classé. The remainder goes into its second wine, Les Tours de Laroque or into Château Peymouton. The fine estate dates back to the 18th century, when vines were planted by the Marquis de Rochefort-Lavie and remained in that family until 1935, when wine production was interrupted by the Great Depression. It was bought by the Beaumartin family who invested heavily in its vines, winery and chateau and remain at its head today. Laroque, despite its size, has largely remained under the radar. Until 2015, it didn’t release any wine en primeur, however the arrival of David Suire (of Larcis-Ducasse) has resulted in a wine with a burgeoning reputation for quality and consistency.

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Explore the 2020 Château Laroque Grand Cru Classé St. Emilion - 750mL at Cellar Link Auctions

Region: Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Bottle Size: 750 mL
Classification: Grand Cru Classé

Introduction:
Step into the historical richness of Saint-Émilion with the 2020 Château Laroque. This Grand Cru Classé is renowned for its robust structure and profound complexity. Château Laroque is crafted on one of the highest points in Saint-Émilion, offering a unique terroir that imparts distinctive character and elegance to the wine.

Vinification and Terroir:
Château Laroque's vineyards sprawl across limestone and clay soils, which are crucial in defining the wine's aromatic profile and minerality. The 2020 vintage primarily features Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc, reflecting the traditional blend of the region. The meticulous winemaking process includes fermentation in temperature-controlled vats and aging in French oak barrels, enhancing the wine's structural integrity and flavor depth.

Tasting Notes:
The 2020 Château Laroque opens with a bouquet of dark fruits, including ripe plums and black cherries, layered with hints of licorice and smoky oak. The palate is rich and concentrated, offering velvety tannins and a lush texture. Notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and a touch of spice lead to a long, opulent finish.

Expert Reviews:

• James Suckling: 94 points - "A beautifully structured wine with depth and layered tannins. It offers richness yet remains elegant and poised."
• Wine Enthusiast: 93 points - "This vintage shows great potential, with its complex flavors and excellent aging capability. A standout in its class."
• Decanter: 92 points - "A robust and vibrant expression of Saint-Émilion, showcasing the region's trademark finesse and power."

Cellaring Potential:
The 2020 Château Laroque is delightful now but will continue to develop favorably in the cellar over the next 10 to 20 years. Its robust structure and depth of flavor ensure that it will age gracefully, gaining further complexity and nuance.

Pairing Suggestions:
This wine pairs perfectly with hearty meat dishes like lamb chops, beef bourguignon, or roasted game. It also complements rich, aged cheeses, enhancing both the wine and the food's flavors.

Why Choose Cellar Link Auctions:
Cellar Link Auctions is committed to sourcing and delivering top-tier wines with exceptional provenance. The 2020 Château Laroque is stored under ideal conditions and sourced directly from the prestigious vineyards of Saint-Émilion, ensuring its authenticity and quality.

Invite Excellence into Your Cellar:
The 2020 Château Laroque Grand Cru Classé represents the pinnacle of Saint-Émilion winemaking. Available exclusively through Cellar Link Auctions, this wine is a splendid addition to any connoisseur's collection, promising to delight now and for years to come. Embrace the heritage and sophistication of one of Bordeaux's finest and make it part of your wine journey today.