CHATEAU LAFON-ROCHET 4eme Grand Cru Classe St-Estephe 2022 Bottle

Description

Château Lafon-Rochet, a 4ème Cru Classé estate in Saint-Estèphe, has been owned by the Tesseron family since 1959 and has undergone significant revitalization under their management. The estate’s vineyards, primarily composed of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, are ideally situated on clay-gravel soils, with the wines aged in 40% new oak for 18 months.

The 2022 Lafon-Rochet is a standout vintage, earning 96 points from Vinous for its elegance and aromatic complexity, featuring bright blue/purplish fruits and notes of lavender and spice. Decanter awarded it 95 points, appreciating its fresh aromas of strawberries and cherries, along with a smooth, well-defined mouthfeel. James Suckling rated it 94-95 points for its solid fruit and fine tannin backbone. With a drinking window from 2027 to 2048, this wine is poised to evolve beautifully, showcasing an exquisite balance and finesse.

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Château Lafon-Rochet is a 4ème Cru Classé St-Estèphe estate that has been owned by the Tesseron family since 1959. The property had been neglected and Guy Tesseron extensively replanted, as well as building a completely new château in "chartreuse" style. Today Lafon-Rochet is run by Albert and Michel Tesseron.

Lafon-Rochet's vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 56%, Merlot 40%, Cabernet Franc 4%) lie on clay-gravel soils and are superbly sited in the south of the commune opposite Château Lafite. The wines are matured in oak barriques (40% new) for 18 months.

Lafon-Rochet's wines were, for many years, criticised for being excessively tannic and austere and generally were considered to lack charm. In the last decade or so, improved viticultural techniques and a greater percentage of Merlot in the final blend has led to purer expressions of fruit and the wines being generally more supple and elegant. Lafon-Rochet needs at least 10 years of bottle ageing to show at its best.

VINOUS 96 points
The 2022 Lafon-Rochet is pure class. Silky, aromatic and gracious, Lafon-Rochet is quite possibly the most under-the-radar Saint-Estèphe. Bright blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint and spice are all beautifully delineated. A wine of sublime elegance and class, Lafon-Rochet is exquisite in 2022. - Antonio Galloni

DECANTER 95 points
Drinking Window: 2027 - 2048 - An exceptional wine in 2022. Fresh and fragrant lovely strawberry and red cherry notes on the nose. Smooth and round, generous and deep, a lovely immediate intensity of flavour while keeping a sleek and tense expression. Gorgeous weight in the mouth, supple, and nicely fruited but with density and roundness. Feels really well worked, so defined and detailed, a lovely precision. Nothing feels out of place and it has a very drinkable and approachable quality, still with a dark liquorice and dark chocolate edge and some graphite touches. Extremely complete and well made with control and finesse. Total acidity: 3.35. 3.77pH. - Georgina Hindle Apr 23

JAMES SUCKLING 94-95 points
11 Apr, 2023 – This shows a terrific tannin backbone with blackcurrants and berries. Medium body. Solid fruit. Vivid. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot and 4% cabernet franc.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 91
Reviewed by: William Kelley
Drink Date: 2025 - 2032
The 2022 Lafon-Rochet is a rich, ripe, somewhat Napa-styled Saint-Estèphe, offering up aromas of sweet jammy berries, fig preserve, licorice and creamy new oak, followed by a full-bodied, soft and fat palate. Readers who gravitate toward this style of wine will love it.

JANCIS 16 points
Dense and concentrated with dark-fruit and floral notes. Smooth attack then plenty of punch and drive, the tannins fine but present. Tighter tannic frame than in the past. More gravitas. (JL)