Château Lafon-Rochet St. Estèphe 2018

Château Lafon-Rochet is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Estèphe, with origins dating back to the 16th century. Initially known as “Domaine de Rochet”, it was renamed “Château Lafon-Rochet” in 1650 following the marriage of its owner, Antoinette de Guillemotes, to Étienne de Lafon. Château Lafon-Rochet saw two centuries of winegrowing during which the vineyard grew and improved dramatically, culminating in its awarding of the title of Quatrième Grand Cru Classé  (Fourth Growth) at the Official Classification of 1855.

2018 vintage is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

The estate's great wine comes from the oldest vines. The Lafon-Rochet is a wine that is both simple and complex, it expresses aromas of black fruits in the majority of vintages, there is really a fade and a particular expression of Saint Estèphe, a certain warmth, and roundness while finesse from the Merlot grape variety.

"The upper Médoc did brilliantly in 2018, and that's certainly apparent when tasting the 2018 Château Lafon-Rochet. Sporting a deep purple hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of ripe black and blue fruits, lead pencil, forest floor, chocolate, and leafy herbs, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, mouth-filling texture, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It doesn't quite have the precision of the top wines in the appellation, but it's loaded with charm and character, and I'd certainly be thrilled to drink a bottle. This rich, textured, flavorful Saint-Estèphe will benefit from 4-6 years in the cellar and keep for two decades." - 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2018 Lafon-Rochet is such a classy wine. Power and finesse meld together in this Saint-Estèphe that is gorgeous, right from the very first taste. Black cherry, herbs, leather, licorice and dried flowers all build in the glass. In 2018, Lafon-Rochet is richer and bolder than it usually is, and yet all the elements are so nicely balanced. I would give it a few years in the cellar to allow some of the baby fat to melt away." - 94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Producer: Château Lafon-Rochet

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Appellation: St. Estèphe

Vintage: 2018

Size: 750ML