2020 Lafon Rochet

93 JD

Qty:

From the critics:

94 WE

93-95 VM

(93-95)+ JD

93 DEC

93-94 JS

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.

Wine Enthusiast | 94 WE

The 2020 Lafon-Rochet is fabulous. The aromatics along are dazzling. Gracious and yet effusive, with tons of nuance, the 2020 dazzles from start to finish. Inky dark fruit, new leather, spice, lavender and menthol fill the room with soaring intensity. Silky, elegant and so pure, Lafon-Rochet is shaping up to be one of the real under the radar gems of 2020. It’s a terrific effort from Basile Tesseron. Don’t miss it.

Vinous Media | 93-95 VM

I loved the 2020 Château Lafon-Rochet, a rich, powerful, concentrated Saint-Estèphe that stays beautifully balanced and elegant. Lots of pure cassis and darker currant fruits as well as tobacco, chocolate, and damp herb notes define the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with plenty of mid-palate depth, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s going to take 7-8 years to hit the early stages of maturity, but it’s a brilliant wine. The blend is 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, with an alcohol of 13.5 and a pH of 3.68. Tasted twice.

Jeb Dunnuck | (93-95)+ JD

(Château Lafon-Rochet, St-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France, Red) Attractive, well-paced fruits, plenty of clarity to the flavours, together with a feeling of linearity to the tannins. Austerity through the mid-palate constrains the brambled cassis fruit, but things build back up again and this is a measured, successful wine that will age well. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. First year with Eric Boissenot accompanying Jean-Claude Berrouet as consultants. (Drink between 2027-2042)

Decanter | 93 DEC

Blackberry and spice with firm, chewy tannins that show polish and focus. It’s medium-to full-bodied with excellent energy. Blackberry and blackcurrant character on the finish with a touch of cedar and spice.

James Suckling | 93-94 JS

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	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary 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.
Region	Bordeaux : Even among the greatest and most reputable wine regions on the planet, Bordeaux stands above the rest. The winemakers of this region have a single-minded dedication to the fine art of viticulture and their efforts never fail to show. If you consider yourself a fine wine enthusiast, you owe it to yourself to visit Bordeaux - life changing. Whether you wish to drink some inspirational and gripping wine as soon as possible, or you want to add some masterpieces to your collection, no region on Earth is a more obvious choice. The noble and beautiful Garonne and Dordogne rivers surge through southwestern France, enriching the soil in a way very few other places can boast. The limestone-based earth is rich in calcium, and the almost oceanic climate conditions give the staple Bordeaux grape varietals vigor and flavor like nowhere else. For their illustrious reds, Bordeaux winemakers rely on a proven combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Meanwhile, a sip of their excellent white wine hints at the use of Semillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Blanc.Each of these varietals carries a unique identity, making every quality wine a character piece to rival Citizen Kane. It can be incredibly hard to choose only a few wines to collect for your cellar!
Subregion	Left Bank
Appellation	Saint Estephe
Cru	Fourth Growth

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.