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1990 Lafon Rochet

1990 Lafon Rochet

90 WS

Featured Review
A bit rustic but very concentrated. Dark ruby color, with ripe berry and dried currant aromas. Full-bodied and chewy, with lots of fruit and a medium finish. Needs a bit of time.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2004. 12,000 cases made. Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator | 90 WS

Critic Reviews

A bit rustic but very concentrated. Dark ruby color, with ripe berry and dried currant aromas. Full-bodied and chewy, with lots of fruit and a medium finish. Needs a bit of time.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2004. 12,000 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 90 WS

Wine Details for 1990 Lafon Rochet

Type of Wine Bordeaux Red : Picture in your mind a combination of cedar, lead pencil, blackcurrant, plum and mineral aromatics, and texture that caresses your palate like a playful lover. The experience is thrilling from the first whiff to the final seconds of a tannic, generous finish - that is what you'll get from a Bordeaux Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world.



For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide.



France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity.



France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.



With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.


Overview

Producer Chateau Lafon-Rochet : What we recognize as Chateau Lafon Rochet today was founded in 1650 when Antoinette de Guillemotte bought the land of Rochette as her dowry to her husband, Pierre de Lafon. Shortly after the marriage, the two changed the name of the chateau. Following the custom of the day and uniting the previous name of Chateau Rochet and Lafon; Chateau Lafon Rochet was born.

Unlike most other Bordeaux properties which were confiscated during the French Revolution, Lafon Rochet was not. The Left Bank estate would remain in the same family for more than two centuries. Unfortunately, as the family line continued downward so did their enthusiasm for the property, allowing it to fall into disrepair.

The modern era would come in 1959 and with it the resurrection of the estate’s quality and reputation. The Tesseron family, with the understanding of the extensive work needing done as the property had fallen into a dilapidated state, purchased the Saint Estephe estate with the intention of improving the vineyards and quality of wine. The Tesseron family, under the direction of Guy Tesseron, completely renovated Lafon Rochet from top to bottom.

The endeavor was overwhelming but so was Guy Tesseron’s ambition. Most of the original buildings were in terrible shape and could no longer be used. The 17-hectare vineyard was in extremely poor condition and needed replanting. Through replanting and subsequent purchases, the estate doubled in size, marking the true beginning of the modern era for Lafon Rochet.

Guy Tesseron had his work cut out for him but began the renovations in 1960 with vigor. Because the winemaking facilities were in such poor condition, Tesseron commissioned the building of all new facilities, including the chateau itself. In irony, Chateau Lafon Rochet was classified a Fourth Growth in the 1855 Classification of the Medoc but was constructed in the 20th century.

Not only were the vineyards in dire need of replanting, the existing grape varieties were planted in the wrong soils. Merlot was planted in gravel, and the Cabernets in clay. The process of unifying the correct varietal with soil is still undergoing to this day. But this explains why the wine of Lafon is so much better today and is only increasing in quality.

Multiple generation of the Tesseron family would continue to enhance the property in their own way. Under the tutelage of Michel, an aesthetic touch to the chateau was implemented by painting it a bright yellow, which he insists is an artistic statement. Basile Tesseron, who speaks fluent English and has previous experience working with negociants, worked to expand the brand name. Eventually, after generations of loyal care to the family estate, Lafon Rochet was sold to Jacky Lorenzetti in September of 2021.

Today, 38 hectares are under vine and planted to 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. These varietals combined, produce 10,000 cases of Lafon Rochet annually. On average the vines are 37 years of age; however, some of the oldest parcels have vines that were planted back in 1938. The correct varietals are still being rectified and planted in their optimal soil type. The terroir is mostly gravel, clay, sand, limestone and marl soils. The best parcels are found in a mix of deep gravel and clay. Interestingly, what makes their terroir so unique is that some of the clay in the vineyard is the same type of blue clay found in Pomerol at Chateau Petrus.

The story of Lafon Rochet is enthralling in a sense that it has been resuscitated and is continuing its journey towards being one of the greater wines in Saint Estephe. The Tesseron family is to be greatly credited to its revivification. Jacky Lorenzetti, who is an experienced vineyard owner is continuing its elevation of reputation and popularity. The story of Lafon Rochet is one of great redemption.

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