| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Estèphe |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
Recent vintages here at this classed growth St Estéphe have been amongst the best ever while under the stewardship of Basile Tesseron. In late 2021, Jacky Lorenzetti bough the property from the Tesseron family to increase his holdings in Bordeaux (he already owns Pédesclaux and Lilian Ladouys, with a 50% stake in d'Issan). This striking property, with its yellow walls, is just along the road from Cos d'Estournel and overlooks the vineyards of Lafite. En primeur prices remain reasonable. The 40 hectare vineyard is planted 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.
The 2021 Lafon-Rochet offers up aromas of cassis, licorice and pencil shavings, followed by a medium-bodied, supple and charming palate that's seamless and harmonious, framed by soft, powdery tannins, concluding with a minty finish. Drink Date: 2025 - 2038
The 2021 is bright purple in colour ith cool hedgerow fruit and a hint of blueberry on the nose. The palate is compact and fresh but not underripe. Chalky Médocain tannins offer ample framing for the savoury flavours on display. Hints of graphite and pepper come through with bright black fruit. Easy, unforced and well-made.
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.
A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2021 Lafon-Rochet is medium to deep garnet-purple colored. It offers subtle notes of plums and black cherries with touches of raspberry leaves, cloves, and wild mushrooms plus a hint of Sichuan pepper. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is chewy and hollow in the middle, with a hard, herbal finish. IPT 76.
Saline and linear, blueberry and raspberry fruits, with a touch of greengage and raspberry leaf that suggests things are just skirting ripenss. Floral aromatics lift things up as it travels through the palate, but the finish is soft and a little diluted. Plenty of change happening at this 41ha estate that is located just over the border from Pauillac, next to Lafite and Cos d'Estournel, with Jacky Lorenzetti arriving as new owner in January 2022, and Christophe Congé appointed technical director a few months later, arriving from Lafite, making 2021 a transition vintage - particularly difficult in such a tough year. 32hl/h yield, 70% 1st wine. 2nd year in official conversion to organic, wll be certified with 2023 vintage. Harvest 27 to October 8. 30hl/h yield, 50% new oak. Tasted twice.
69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. New regime here with Basile Tesseron having sold and Jean-Claude Berrouet and Eric Boissenot having blended the 2021 for the new managing director, ex-Lafite winemaker Christophe Congé, on 7 March. Cask sample.
Quite luscious and almost more luscious than the St-Estèphe norm. Although it finishes on a distinctly stony note. Set for the long term with no shortage of character or ripe fruit. Persistence is pretty impressive! This is almost a 17 though for the moment the finish is a little bit pinched.
Drink 2029 – 2045
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.
