2023 CHÂTEAU LAFON-ROCHET 4ème Cru Classé Saint Estèphe, Lea & Sandeman

CHÂTEAU LAFON-ROCHET

2024 4ème Cru Classé Saint Estèphe

Grapes Petit Verdot, Cab Franc, Merlot, Cab Sauv
Colour Red
Origin France, Bordeaux
Sub-district Haut Médoc
Village Saint Estèphe
Classification 4ème Cru Classé

72 Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 Merlot, 3 Cabernet Franc: 40% new oak, 10% wooden casks & 10% concrete vats: 13% alc: 3.67 pH: 67 IPT: Harvested between 24 September and 9 October I enjoyed my romp around the wines from the Lorenzetti family portfolio, and as a long-term fan of Lafon-Rochet, having missed out on tasting a couple of vintages in the last few years, it was a joy to taste this delicious wine. The intention here is to bring more refinement and more definition to the wines, and this was achieved in 2024. While the perfume and front of the palate are bright, correct, and teasing, the main action happens as the violet and blackcurrant notes expand towards the finish, where the tannins cascade perfectly, ending in a classically dimensioned and perfectly tailored finale. This is an excellent vintage for Lafon-Rochet and another confident step forward for this superb property. Rating: 18+/20 QP Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (May 2025)


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This is juicy, drawn out, balanced, elegant, showing lean black fruits laced with fennel and anis, plenty of slate tannins, just a little leafy on the finish. 3.67 pH. 40% new oak, highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon on record. Drinking range: 2030 - 2045 Rating: 91 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (May 2025)

The 2024 Lafon-Rochet contains the highest amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%) in thirty years, matured in 40% new oak. This, again, has a rather light and straightforward bouquet. It is clean and delineated, though it does not deliver the same complexity as the previous two vintages. Fine tannins frame the cohesive palate, and the prudent use of oak (with 10% aged in concrete) proved to be an assiduous decision as it imparts elegance on the finish. Overall, this Lafon-Rochet doesn't possess the complexity of the best recent vintages, but is a capable and fresh Saint-Estèphe that should drink well for 15 years or more. Drinking range: 2029 - 2045 Rating: 89-91 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2025)

Understated aromas of minerals, white pepper, chalk, red cherries and grapefruit. Typical St.-Estephe structure, which is a little more severe and austere this year, with tight, chalky tannins toward the back of the palate. Lots of vibration. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2025)

Château Lafon-Rochet

Saint Estèphe Quatrième cru 1855 A somewhat complicated history eventually placed the Rochet vineyard - so named due to its rocky soil - into the hands of the Lafon family in the early years of the 17th Century. The family owned the estate until 1895. It passed through several hands until Guy Tesseron, who's family had prospered in the Cognac business, bought the, now run-down, estate in the 1960's. Guy completely renovated Lafon-Rochet, even to the extent of demolishing all of the delapidated buildings and rebuilding a grand 18th Century style chateau, which was painted yellow to match the labels. Thus Lafon-Rochet are almost unique among Haut-Médoc châteaux in being built in the 20th Century. In the 1960's Château Lafon-Rochet's vineyards consisted of just 15ha of Merlot. Today, there are 41ha under vine, and at a more Médoc-like 54% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Grand Vin spends up to 20 months in wood (50% ish new). Sitting inland from Cos d'Estournel, facing across the Jalle de Brieul at Duhart Milon and Lafite, Lafon-Rochet has some very noble neighbours. The Tesseron family also own Château Pontet-Canet.

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