Lafon Rochet 2021 (3.0L)

92-93 JS / 91-93 VM / 90-92 JD / 91 DE / 89-91 WA

A firm and linear wine with blackberry and blackcurrant character. Medium body. Creamy. Focused for the vintage. Turns to plums and citrus at the end. From organically grown grapes. 69% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. - James Suckling

The 2021 Lafon-Rochet is a wine of notable precision. It will be interesting to see if it gains a bit more flesh in élevage. Today, the 2021 is decidedly lithe in feel. Crushed flowers, mint, rose petal and bright acids lend energy to a core of red berry fruit. Captivating in its inner perfume and elegance, Lafon-Rochet is the most Pauillac-like of the Saint-Estèphes. - Antonio Galliano, Vinous Media

Tasted on numerous occasions, the 2021 Château Lafon-Rochet has solid, yet slightly reserved aromatics of darker, almost blue fruits and some classic tobacco and lead pencil. It opens up with air and is medium-bodied, with a classic, focused style (I said “Pauillac” in my notes), notable balance, and a great finish. The blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot. - Jeb Dunnuck

Juicy and lively, this has a playful and fun nature to the fruit - sweet strawberry and raspberry with some herbal raspberry leaf touches too and the Cabernet spice and backbone also making an appearance. Nice clarity with a smooth texture and an overall glossy feel to it despite the robust tannins on the finish. Plump and layered with charm. The last vintage under the helm of Basile Tesseron. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.70pH. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

The last vintage produced under the Tesseron family, the 2021 Lafon-Rochet exhibits aromas of dark berries, plums, licorice and spices, followed by a medium-bodied, lively and succulent palate that's fleshy and layered, framed by powdery tannins. A charming, supple effort, it will drink well on release. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate