2005 CHÂTEAU LAFON ROCHET 4ème Cru Classé Saint Estèphe Château Lafon-Rochet

Good saturated ruby-red. Black raspberry, cassis and sexy spices on the nose. Dense, supple and sweet, with ripe dark fruit, black olive, earth and deep spice flavors. Conveys an impression of power and authority, not to mention classic St. Estephe character. The long, rising finish features substantial ripe tannins buffered by the wine's strong material. A highly successful vintage for this chateau. (May/June 2007)   90-92/100

This has a fine blackberry, cedar-infused nose with good definition – tightly coiled and certainly needing more time. Very good concentration, fine tannins, quite succulent for a Saint Estephe but very well poised with fine sense of mineralité on the finish. Imbued with femininity, which is unusual. Good depth and cohesion. This remains an excellent Lafon-Rochet although its still needs time. Drink 2015-2025.   92/100

Blackberry with light spice and toasted oak character. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a sweet, ripe fruit finish. Yummy to taste.   89-91/100

Lively, though not especially deep purplish crimson. Intense animal ripeness. Sweet attack and then some oak. Not the subtlest. Marked acidity but slightly stewed fruit. Fades very fast on the palate. 2014-22, ................................................................... Quite light and fragrant - this wine sings already. Very classical build. Tannins well hidden - but not as concentrated and dense as some other 2005 St-Estèphes, which is by no means meant as a criticism! (London, 26 apr 05)   16/16.5

Concentrated colour and hugely concentrated fruit, a bit burly and leathery, almost raisiny at the moment, very good long term. Drink 2012-25.   ****/17

Good red-ruby. Very ripe aromas of musky currant , black raspberry, camphor and tobacco leaf. Round and plump for St. Estephe, with noteworthy volume and seamless texture; sweeter by far than the chateau's 2007 or 2006 samples but possesses harmonious framing acidity. Finishes with broad tannins that arrive late. A big success.   91/100

(60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot) Bright medium ruby. Thoroughly ripe but sappy aromas of kirsch and licorice. Dense, sweet and fresh, with rather suave, lively dark berry flavors and impressive breadth. Finishes with big, sweet, palate-dusting tannins and lively lingering black fruit flavors. Avoids hardness but will need time in bottle. Wait until 2013.   89-92/100

A dark ruby/purple color and a bouquet of plums, black raspberries, licorice, roasted herbs, and incense are followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich, structured, backward wine that requires 6-10 years of bottle age. It should drink well for two decades. For some reason, Lafon Rochet remains under-priced for the quality of wines it is producing. Drink 2013-2027   91-93/100

Hm, the nose lacks a little lift with sweet blackberry and cassis coming forth after a while. The palate is better than the nose suggests with lively spicy black toasty fruit laced with black pepper. Disjointed at the moment with some unresolved tannins - but it should improve after barrel ageing. Good potential.   20+/25

Although it does not yet display much complexity, this stunning, opaque purple-colored wine exhibits sweet creme de cassis fruit, enormous concentration, loads of tannin, and superb purity as well as length. A medium to full-bodied, structured effort, it will require time in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.   90/100