| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Estèphe |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Lafon-Rochet comes bounding out of the glass with sit-up-and-beg notes of crème de cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry preserves followed by suggestions of Chinese five spice, potpourri and tilled soil. Full-bodied and concentrated, with loads of black and blue fruit layers, it has a rock-solid backbone of grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Drink 2020-2046.
I had some bottle variation with this blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The 2010 from Lafon Rochet seemed slightly restrained and closed down on the three occasions I tasted it in Bordeaux. Dense black/ruby, it displays sweet tannin, excellent purity, fresh fruit and a very primary, almost grapy style with lots of fruit, but at the same time, a somewhat monolithic character. It should turn out fine, but it certainly needs a good 7-8 years of cellaring and should drink well for up to two decades.
The property is owned by the Tesseron family and run by the newest generation, son Basile, who is converting the estate to biodynamic farming a la his uncle, Alfred Tesseron at Pontet Canet.
Just a little sweet and made up. Lots of flattering pleasure at first but rather awkward astringency on the finish.
Superbly ripe Cabernet fruit and lush yet firm flavours and perfect tannins make this an explosively good wine for the medium and long term. Drink 2017-30.
Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Wow - this Saint Estèphe appears to be just getting into its stride. This seems reticent on the nose at first, but modest coaxing reveals scents of blackberry mixed with gravel and incense. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle grip, firm tannins and a pleasant salty tang on the finish. Masculine and structured, with good persistency and a lovely austere personality, Basile Tesseron and his team have overseen an aloof but engaging Lafon-Rochet that could be the dark horse of the appellation. Tasted January 2014.
Proprietor Basile Tesseron may have produced his finest Lafon Rochet to date. The 2010's inky/blue/purple color is followed by a distinctive bouquet of spring flowers, blueberry pie, blackberry liqueur and crushed rocks. Although a classified growth, this wine is an undeniable sleeper of the vintage as its price remains reasonable. The wine possesses terrific structure, ripe tannins and a voluminous, broad, deep impression on the palate. The fruit intensity, purity and richness suggest 4-5 years of cellaring will be required and the wine will last for 20+ years.
The Lafon Rochet has fine delineation and focus on the nose with crisp blackberry, cedar and graphite aromas. The oak is nicely folded into the fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with strong earthy graphite notes - a quintessential, slightly aloof but delicious Saint Estephe. Bon bloody vin - as they say. Tasted November 2012.
Tasted twice at the UGC and the Château, the Lafon-Rochet has a very lifted, pure bouquet with tarry blackberry, cassis and dark plum, all very well defined although needing time to coalesce. The palate has a tarry, graphite tinged entry, firm, slightly coarse tannins but very good definition on the fresh finish. Again, just a little disjointed at the moment, but the foundations are here for a great wine. Tasted April 2011.
