Château Lafon Rochet
AOC Saint-Estèphe
4th Growth
Château Lafon Rochet is a winery in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, owned by the Tesseron family since 1960. The wines are classified one of the ten 4th Growths and are characterized by aromas of black fruits in the majority of vintages and a certain warmth and roundness.
Situation
Covers 41-hectares
Grape varieties
55 % cabernet sauvignon, 40 % merlot, 5 % cabernet franc
Soil
Gravel and clay
Ageing
Matured for 12 months in barrels
Available Vintages
Alcohol
14°
Blending
Cabernet Sauvignon 66%, Merlot 31%, Petit Verdot 3%
Description
Pleasant, fresh and intense nose. It is fine and dynamic. The wine reveals a wonderful balance between alcohol, acidity and enveloping tannins. With a very good ageing potential
Tasting
“Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Lafon-Rochet comes bounding out of the glass with sit-up-and-beg notes of crème de cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry preserves followed by suggestions of Chinese five spice, potpourri and tilled soil. Full-bodied and concentrated, with loads of black and blue fruit layers, it has a rock-solid backbone of grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long and fragrant.” – Wine Advocate
Alcohol
13,5°
Blending
Cabernet Sauvignon 62%, Merlot 22%, Cabernet franc 4%, Petit Verdot 4%
Description
The 2014 Lafon-Rochet seduces by its freshness, concentration, vibrancy and generous fruit. This dark, red colored Saint-Estèphe appeals by its intense aromatic expression. The attack is marked by a solid acidity and leads to an almost tender mid-palate with fine-grained, very elegant tannins. This Saint-Estèphe is remarkably soft, unlike usual Saint-Estèphe wines, almost like a Saint-Julien. This wine is a success, it has a good potential!
Tasting
“The 2014 Lafon Rochet has a very attractive, slightly floral bouquet with raspberry and crushed strawberry fruit, a touch of rose petals lending this a feminine allure. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe tannins. This feels quite dense in the mouth, a welcome pinch of white pepper and cedar lending complexity to the finish with tart cherries on the aftertaste. This is probably more forward than other Saint Estephe wines, but it should give 15-20 years of pleasure.” – Wine Advocate
Alcohol
13°
Blending
Cabernet-Sauvignon 57%, Merlot 35%, Cabernet franc 3%, Petit Verdot 5%
Tasting
“Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Lafon-Rochet gives up subtle cassis and black cherry notes with hints of sautéed herbs, damp soil and pencil lead. Medium-bodied and slightly thin in the mouth, it has a well-played chewy texture and nice freshness, finishing with an herbal lift.” – Wine Advocate
