A Love Affair with Limestone: Classical Terroir Expressions at Prices That Feel Fresh

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Value hunters, look no further! From St. Émilion's cooler terroir, Château Laroque releases one of the greatest under-$50 classics of the 2024 vintage. Priced at just $27.99, this wine is crafted from 98% Merlot grown on pure limestone soils and sees 50% new oak. The 2024 vintage is beautifully balanced, showcasing simple yet noticeably developed red fruit, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. Its polish and crisp tannins promise a wonderful 10 years of refined drinking.

Next, we head north to St. Estèphe for Cos d’Estournel. At $114, the 2024 is released at an impressive 26% discount from the year before, and a significant 55% discount from the 2022. The 2024 vintage boasts 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, from vines averaging 55 years old, and a modest 12.8% alcohol, contributing to its velvety texture and less extracted wood influence. The half-price offering is a green flag for those looking to bring Cos d’Estournel home, while the vintage itself promises density and concentration to savor.

These two classic, elegant Bordeaux stylings offer attractive pricing today and long-term cellaring potential for years to come. Don't miss out—seize your bottles today!

Today's Releases

Critical Acclaim

2024 Laroque

93–95 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent: “The light to medium-bodied palate is elegant and light on its feet with a lively line and fragrant finish.”

93 Points, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux: “You probably have to be a bit of a limestone fanatic (as I am) to truly love this vintage of Laroque,”…“setting texture and minerality above fruit, but exceptionally well handled by estate director David Suire, and it should soften further over aging. Once again a value pick.”

2024 Cos d’Estournel Blanc

97–98 Points, James Suckling: “A full-bodied white that’s 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Sémillon. Very bright acidity with creamy wood influence.”…“Long, intense, textured and so vibrant, with a lasting, mouthwatering finish.”

2024 Cos d’Estournel

96–97 Points, James Suckling: “There is huge depth and lots of intensity from this year's Cos. Quite powerful, deeply colored and dense, but there is freshness. Concentrated and tight-grained, with a full body and a pretty lengthy finish. Quite unique for its broadness and density, with lots of blackberries in the finish.”

95–98 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2024 Cos d'Estournel could very well be one of the wines of the vintage. Bright and vibrant in the glass, with tons of energy, the 2024 impresses with its vertical structure, depth and overall balance.”…“The 2024 is super-classic.”

Recent 2024 En Primeur Releases

Our Expert's Take on the 2024 Vintage

Despite the challenges of the year, 2024 is emerging as a collector’s vintage, defined by low yields, excellent balance, and the most compelling pricing in over a decade. With alcohol levels moderating to 12–13%, this vintage marks a return to Bordeaux's hallmark freshness, tannin quality, and aromatics. The result? Wines that are elegantly sculpted rather than exuding raw power. Faced with yields reduced by as much as 50%, the châteaux prioritized quality above all else in this vintage.

Here’s a look at some highlights:

- The top red wines from Margaux, Pauillac, and Pomerol are refined, expressive, and exceptionally rare.

- Sauternes enjoyed ideal conditions for the development of botrytis.

- White Bordeaux wines are showing vibrant energy and distinct salinity.

Regional Standouts:

- Left Bank: Margaux and Pauillac are the clear stars of the vintage.

- Right Bank: Pomerol stands out, with iconic estates like Vieux Château Certan (VCC), Figeac, and Cheval Blanc demonstrating remarkable depth.

Given the limited allocations and sharp pricing, En Primeur 2024 offers a prime opportunity to secure the top wines from this vintage before they disappear.