This estate continues to gain in precision and finesse with every vintage—and this year’s wine confirms it more than ever. With its delicate texture, beautifully structured tannins, and impressive aging potential, it now firmly stands among the top contenders on the Left Bank.

This 5th Grand Cru Classé from Pauillac, with illustrious neighbors like Château Pichon Baron and Château Latour, is now fully realizing its potential. A quiet revolution has taken place at the estate: organic certification in 2019, the adoption of biodynamic farming, and significant improvements across the board have driven its rise. The recent vintages are a clear reward for these efforts.

Still reasonably priced compared to its peers—especially this year—this new-era Pauillac is one to stock up on without hesitation.

Always precise and beautifully balanced, Château La Gaffelière is now stepping confidently into the spotlight, holding its own among the biggest names in the appellation. This distinguished Saint-Émilion delivers a wine that is both refined and generous, marked by harmony, depth, and timeless elegance—earning consistent praise from critics year after year.

Ideally located on the slope that extends from Ausone, the 22-hectare vineyard has quietly undergone a thoughtful transformation in recent vintages, with a renewed focus on Cabernet Franc. Interest in the estate continues to grow, as does recognition of its consistent quality.

Behind this success lies significant investment in the winery and vineyard, supported by the expert guidance of Derenoncourt Consultants. The results are clear—especially in the challenging 2024 vintage, which demanded swift, skillful decisions. The wine, made with 40% Cabernet Franc, is rich, savory, and fresh, built on a silky, seamless structure that stands out amid the vintage’s difficulties.

A true Saint-Émilion classic with long aging potential—this year, it’s a standout buying opportunity.

Laroque 2024 is one of the most compelling wines of the vintage.
Drawn almost entirely from the limestone plateau and made with 98% Merlot, this Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé is a brilliant expression of place. A longtime favorite of the Selection Committee, it delivers with even greater finesse this year—showcasing a delicate, finely structured texture, vivid red and black fruit flavors, and a remarkably fresh, minty lift on the finish that adds tension and length.

The limestone soils give the wine a natural elegance and energy, while the fruit—think wild raspberry, plum, and just a hint of cherry—feels pure and precise, never heavy.

One of the oldest estates in the appellation, Château Laroque has undergone a quiet revolution over the past decade. Since David Suire took the reins, the wines have reached new levels of clarity and depth, and Laroque now firmly belongs among the appellation’s leading names.

A cherished estate at VALAP, and rightly so—Laroque has become a go-to name for serious drinkers. With its pedigree, polish, and sheer drinkability, it’s easily one of the smartest buys in its category.

Don’t hesitate—this is a top-value wine with real soul.