Wine Spectator 90 / 100 the1/4/2017 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.—J.M.
Le Point 16-16,5 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015 Fruits noirs, épices, bouche souple, ronde, fraîche, bien fruitée, touche épicée, finale réglissée et poivrée. Tendu, frais, assez fin.
Vinous 89-91 / 100 byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015 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.
The Wine Cellar Insider 91-93 / 100 byJeff Levethe5/5/2015 Polished and lush with black raspberries and dark chocolate covered cherries in the nose, this wine has round tannins, ample concentration, sweetness and freshness. 91-93 Pts
Wine Advocate 90-92 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015 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.
Asian Palate 90 / 100 byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015 Balanced and well made Lafon-Rochet with dark cherry and spices with plenty of juicy fruit character. Lifted and fresh with linear focus and hint of exotic spices in the finish. Tannins are high but well handled and the wine is balanced. Less than 30 euros per bottle - a bargain in this vintage.
Decanter.com 17 / 20 bySteven Spurrierthe4/17/2015 Attractive fruit and fine structure and length. Lafon-Rochet is sometimes too extracted, but with 2014 they have struck the right balance between fruit and grip. Drink: 2019-2030 (90)
Jancis Robinson 16 / 20 byJancis Robinsonthe4/16/2015 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. Drink 2022-2036 (16+)
Jamessuckling.com 91-92 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015 This is really beautiful with so much class and finesse already. Full body, bright acidity and lovely fruit.
Wine Enthusiast 93 / 100 byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015 92–94. Barrel Sample. Smooth and ripe, this is a full wine that is already in balance, with fine acidity and fruitiness in harmony with elegant tannins. It will age well, but relatively quickly. — R.V. (4/1/2015)
Wine Spectator 88-91 / 100 byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015 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.