Lafon Rochet 2004

A big time sleeper of the vintage, the noteworthy 2004 Lafon-Rochet boasts an inky/blue/purple color, sweet aromas of creme de cassis intermixed with smoke, licorice, and toasty new oak, a ripe, medium to full-bodied style, sweet tannin, and loads of flavor as well as depth. This beauty can be consumed now and over the next 14-15 years.

Deep crimson. Very light nose, lots of acidity - very classic St-Estèphe, which many of the lowlier wines are not! But I'm not sure that the leanness of 2004 suits St-Estèphe's natural austerity that well, alas. Hard work at the moment! Drink 2012-2018. Date tasted 24th Dec 08.

Although it lacks substance and depth, this is a medium-bodied, well-made, elegant, pure effort revealing notes of black tea, Asian spices, black cherries, licorice, and cassis. The wine has decent acidity, but little weight and depth. It should drink well for 10-12 years.

Light nose but well balanced and seems quite deep and interesting. An intriguing wine with some obvious sweetness and acidity. Very harsh tannins. Set for the long term, this wine might just become something very interesting indeed. For the moment it's a bit aggressive but there is no shortage of constituents. One of the most long-term wines I have tasted. Appetising