Château Lafon-Rochet, with origins in the early 16th century, has long been a fixture of Saint-Estèphe, recognized as a great growth in the 1855 classification. Nestled between Cos d’Estournel and Lafite-Rothschild, the estate endured the French Revolution under the Lafon family before later attracting Guy Tesseron, renowned for his Cognac, in the mid-20th century. Tesseron rebuilt both the cellar and château in the style of a 17th-century chartreuse, elevating Lafon-Rochet into one of the benchmark producers of Saint-Estèphe wines celebrated worldwide.
Dark fruit, profound, mineral, cool flowers, mint. On the palate, a fruit concentrate without heaviness, excellent tannin quality, lots of freshness, the wood is perfectly integrated, all elements are in great harmony. Spicy, fresh finish.
Blend: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot
96 Vinous The 2020 Lafon-Rochet represents the essence of classicism in Bordeaux. Medium in body and finely-cut, Lafon-Rochet is one of the classiest, more refined Saint-Estèphes readers will come across. Dark fruit, earthiness, lavender, licorice, menthol and cloves add nuance, but it is the wine's balance and vibrancy that impress most. Give the tannins a few years to melt away. Superb. Best after 2030.
94 Wine Enthusiast 93–95. Barrel Sample. Richly structured, powered by dark tannins and rich blackberry fruits, this estate has produced a very fine wine this vintage. The structure is considerable while keeping fruitiness and fine acidity in focus. The wine will certainly age well.
94 Decanter Crafted by former owner Basile Tesseron, the wine has a pleasingly silky, polished and smooth aspect, reflecting irresistible Cabernet-driven graphite and bright red and black fruit. Sheer pleasure! What I like most is the ripe polish without the modern gloss. Enjoy with baked aubergine or roast chicken.
93 Jeb Dunnuck Showing the pretty, elegant style of the vintage, the 2020 Chateau Lafon-Rochet exbibits a ruby/purple hue to go with a perfumed bouquet of ripe black cherries, spring flowers, graphite, and violets. Medium-bodied and elegant, with firm tannins, it needs 4-6 years of bottle age and should evolve for two decades in cold cellars. Best After 2027.
91 James Suckling Subtle dried spices and berries with chocolate undertones. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a savory finish. Fresh and bright. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but better in a year or two and onwards.
91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The 2020 Lafon-Rochet opens in the glass with aromas of cassis, plums and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep palate with good concentration, lively acids and plenty of powdery structuring tannin that asserts itself on the finish. This, too, is more structured than its 2019 counterpart and will require a bit of patience. Best after 2025. Rating: 91+
90 Wine Spectator Plump and open, with a burst of loganberry and mulberry fruit backed by light tobacco, warm earth and savory notes. Shows a savory edge, which moves to the lead on the finish. Solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2034.
