Les Tours de Laroque 2020

Direct, with silky-edged cassis and plum purée flavors, which have a nice floral lift on the open-knit finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2028. 1,750 cases made.

Really quite fragrant on the nose. Juicy and supple, with a really creamy edge to the red cherries, plums and blackcurrants. Slightly medicinal herbal tones come into play on the mid-palate and towards the finish with liquorice and slate too. Feels clean with precision and lively acidity. Just a bit drying on the finish, loses some momentum, the structure and wood closing things down with a little heat on the end which lingers. Svelte though - this will be easy drinking. A good buy.

This has notes of ripe blackberries, cocoa, spices and tree bark. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a chalky texture. Vivid and crunchy dark-fruited mid-palate and a fresh, polished finish. 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Try from 2024.

A second wine that's well worth seeking out, the 2020 Les Tours De Laroque offers a pretty, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant yet textured profile with plenty of fruit, some floral and obvious mineral nuances, fine tannins, and outstanding length. It's a beautiful second wine that shows a touch of the class and elegance found in the Grand Vin.

You always feel in safe hands with Laroque, and this is a brilliant second wine: great balance and sculpted black fruits. It shows the austerity of the vintage, but it’s impressive with grip and the estate’s signature. A great value choice.

The bouquet of Les Tours de Laroque unfolds delicately through nuances of red berries and gentle spices. Finesse is the watchword on the palate as well. The wine is elegant, harmonious, and perfectly supported by a juicy structure. A wine brimming with energy and freshness, to be enjoyed with utter ease.

The 2020 Les Tours de Laroque has quite a perfumed, peppermint-tinged bouquet that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, nicely integrated oak, fleshy with a slightly herbaceous finish. Maybe a bit short?