We don’t know much about Laroque, but we do know we like their wines. A chance encounter with the 2018 opened our eyes to this St Émilion, described by Antonio Galloni as the appellation’s “brightest rising star”. David Suire, who worked for many years with Nicolas Thienpont is doing a tremendous job, crafting wines of intensity and class, which for the time being offer exceptional value. We echo Mr Galloni’s sentiments, “don’t miss it”!
“The 2021 Laroque is very promising indeed, and winemaker David Suire and I agree that it is likely to surpass the estate's 2018 vintage in quality. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of sweet berries, plums and cherries, framed by a discreet patina of new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, seamless and complete, with excellent concentration, lively acids and ripe, melting tannins. A blend of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc, it represents 45% of the estate's production and derives from vines more than 50 years old. 92-95/100” – William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
Read MoreOur next selection is Les Ormes de Pez, the Cazes family’s estate in St Estèphe. With Lynch Bages know how, this has become a regular amongst our best value buy selections. Stylish, fluid and balanced, this classical, well-judged claret comes highly recommended.
“The 2021 Ormes de Pez is matured in 45% new oak. This has a fragrant nose, very well defined, in fact, perhaps more sophisticated than the Haut-Batailley at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a little powdery in texture, touches of graphite towards the almost Pauillac-like finish. A stylish Saint-Estèphe, this is recommended. 13.13% alcohol. 91-93/100” – Neal Martin, vinous.com
Back on the right bank, we have perennial favourites from the Durantou family: Saintayme, La Chenade, Les Cruzelles and Montlandrie. As ever, these are all highly successful, especially Saintayme and Les Cruzelles. You can buy any of these with confidence. In fact it is hard to think of a better value quartet in Bordeaux.