Appellations

Lafon Rochet 2014

St Estephe, Fourth Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2014 Lafon-Rochet does not quite possess the complexity of the 2014 Phélan-Ségur on the nose, broody and introspective but with aeration reveals very pure blackberry and bilberry scents, hints of brine/seawater, cedar and spice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, plenty of tobacco tinged black fruit, saline and sappy in the mouth so that those taste-buds are flowing by the finish. The more I acquaint myself with this wine, the more I fall for its charms. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Score: 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2020-2040 Date: 01 March 2018

The 2014 Lafon Rochet has a very attractive, slightly floral bouquet with raspberry and crushed strawberry fruit, a touch of rose petals lending this a feminine allure. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, ripe tannins. This feels quite dense in the mouth, a welcome pinch of white pepper and cedar lending complexity to the finish with tart cherries on the aftertaste. This is probably more forward than other Saint Estephe wines, but it should give 15-20 years of pleasure.

Score: 90 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2034 Date: 31 March 2017

The Château Lafon-Rochet 2014 is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot picked from 1 October until 15 October. Basile Tesseron explained that there was 25 and 35mm rain between 7 and 9 October at which point the Cabernet was not able to ripen further due to the lack of water. This gave the ripeness another spurt and destroyed the pyrazines. Pumping over was about 0.5 to 1.5 the volume per day over a long period to avoid extracting any harsh tannin (especially from the seeds) with a short cold maceration. It has a complex bouquet: brambly black fruit, touches of dark plum mixed with black olive and incense. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity, a little chalky in texture with a precise, quite pointed finish. This 2014 continues a run of fine form for the estate.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2032 Date: 01 April 2015

Here’s a St.-Estèphe that’s really appealing young but also has good aging potential. Great balance between crisp acidity, ripe fruit and elegant dry tannins. The finish is long and rather subtle. Hard not to drink now.

Score: 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 13 February 2017

This is really beautiful with so much class and finesse already. Full body, bright acidity and lovely fruit.

Score: 91 - 92 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 23 March 2015

This delivers a direct beam of red and black currant fruit mixed with a note of blood orange. Picks up tobacco and warm stone accents through the finish. Best from 2018 through 2026.

Score: 90 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2018-2026 Date: 05 January 2017

Bright, with a mix of bitter plum, cassis and cherry fruit, lined with subtle savory and pebble notes that give the finish an edgy feel.

Score: 88 - 91 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2015

Very dark, blackish crimson. There is masses here but so much that it’s difficult to discern much aroma. Big and beefy but embryonic. And there is not that much follow-through on the finish. (16+ Points)

Score: 16 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2022-2036 Date: 15 April 2015

The 2014 Lafon-Rochet is all about immediacy and energy. Dark red stone fruit, cedar, flowers, leather and mint all open up nicely. The high percentage of Merlot in the blend gives the 2014 lovely suppleness and mid-palate pliancy. The 2014 is not hugely complex, but it is absolutely delicious and should be ready to provide considerable pleasure early. This is a strong showing from the Tesseron family and Consulting Winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet.

Score: 89 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2015

Clean pure berries on the nose and palate, not hugely concentrated the crunchy vibrant black cherry fruit should add weight and the tannins are sandy and restrained.

Score: 88 - 91 Albany Vintners, - Date: 01 April 2015