Lafon Rochet - Saint-Estèphe 2018

Vinous

94

byAntonio Gallonithe3/31/2021

The 2018 Lafon-Rochet is such a classy wine. Power and finesse meld together in this Saint-Estèphe that is gorgeous, right from the very first taste. Black cherry, herbs, leather, licorice and dried flowers all build in the glass. In 2018, Lafon-Rochet is richer and bolder than it usually is, and yet all the elements are so nicely balanced. I would give it a few years in the cellar to allow some of the baby fat to melt away.

Wine Advocate

91

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe3/31/2021

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lafon-Rochet delivers impactful scents of baked blackberries, warm cassis and black cherry compote, with suggestions of chargrill, tar and tobacco leaf, plus a waft of wild mushrooms. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit preserves and earthy accents, supported by firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great length, if a little chewy.

Jeb DUNNUCK

94

byJeb Dunnuckthe3/16/2021

The upper Médoc did brilliantly in 2018, and that's certainly apparent when tasting the 2018 Château Lafon-Rochet. Sporting a deep purple hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of ripe black and blue fruits, lead pencil, forest floor, chocolate, and leafy herbs, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, mouth-filling texture, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It doesn't quite have the precision of the top wines in the appellation, but it's loaded with charm and character, and I'd certainly be thrilled to drink a bottle. This rich, textured, flavorful Saint-Estèphe will benefit from 4-6 years in the cellar and keep for two decades.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94

byJeff Levethe3/16/2021

Espresso, flowers, cocoa, tobacco leaf, wet earth and red pit fruit aromas are all over the place. The wine is rich, round, juicy and loaded with sweet, lifted red fruits. The tannins are soft, the freshness provides the right amount of lift and you find intriguing notes of spice and spearmint in the finish. Give it a just a few years to soften and develop additional nuances and enjoy it over the following 2 decades or more. The wine was made from blending 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe3/12/2021

The 2018 Lafon-Rochet has an intense bouquet of black and red fruit, touches of wild mint and incense. It is still a pretty and engaging nose, just as I found from barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, fine backbone and – what I really appreciate – superb precision and detail toward the saline finish. This is a classy, quite sophisticated Lafon-Rochet that deserves four or five years of cellaring. One of the best in recent years.

Wine Spectator

92

byJames Molesworththe2/1/2021

Seductive, with a gush of dark plum and blackberry preserve notes leading off, while light bay, dark tobacco and charcoal notes peek through. Has a racy edge through the finish, even with the warm fruit keeping the upper hand. Nicely done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2032. –JM

Falstaff

92

byPeter Moserthe1/29/2021

Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart tabakig unterlegte frische dunkle Beerenfrucht, ein Hauch von reifen Pflaumen, dezente Kräuterwürze, zartes Cassis. Mittlerer Körper, rote Herzkirschen, feine Tannine, gut Frische, mineralischer Nachhall, zeigt Balance und gute Länge, ein facettenreicher Speisenbegleiter. (2020 - 2040)

Yvesbeck.wine

95

byYves Beckthe1/26/2021

Le bouquet de Lafon Rochet se révèle avec délicatesse et précision. Il est marqué par des notes de graphite, de baies noires et de cèdre. En bouche il se distingue par son intensité fruitée et sa crémosité. Que d'harmonie et de finesse en bouche et que de perspectives. Le vin est fin, élégant, puissant et frais ! Bravo à toute l'équipe.

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe1/26/2021

Blackberry and blueberry on the nose, as well as dark-chocolate, mineral and earthy undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Fleshy and savory texture with layers. Flavorful finish and beautiful length. Lovely ripe fruit in the center palate. Try after 2025.

Wine Enthusiast

95

byRoger Vossthe1/5/2021

This wine comes from an estate that is performing with distinction. It is rich, the tannins cushioned by ripe blackberry fruits and good acidity. Showing both structure and fruitiness, the wine will develop well, everything in balance. Drink from 2026.

Decanter.com

94

byJane Ansonthe11/10/2020

Smoke and grilled cedar on the nose. Clearly ambitious, this is good-quality, with plenty of power and forward motion, depth of liquorice and a Bendicks Mint feel of bitter chocolate and mint. Precision, depth and power, with years ahead of it, if closed and a little austere right now. Brilliant value among the classifieds. A 46hl/ha yield also, so generous.

Vinous

92-94

byNeal Martinthe11/15/2019

The 2018 Lafon-Rochet was picked from 24 September to 13 October, matured in concrete and stainless steel vats and reaching 14.50% alcohol. It has a complex bouquet, a mélange of red and black fruit mixed with a little aniseed. It is pretty and winsome. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannin, a fine bead of acidity and perhaps what distinguishes this vintage for myself is the precision on the silky-smooth finish. Even compared to the previous vintage, this shows a little more tension and pixelation, a fine sapidity that comes through on the aftertaste. Good potential.

WeinWisser

17,5

byTjark Witzgallthe5/7/2019

Vinifera

93

byJacques Perrinthe5/1/2019

Nez un peu fermé, derrière on devine une vraie élégance. Attaque très séduisante avec une texture hédoniste, forme en bouche fuselée. Vin subtil, long, raffiné, très médocain avce une sensualité tactile du tanin.    

Vinous

92-95

byAntonio Gallonithe4/30/2019

A wine of lovely finesse the 2018 Lafon-Rochet offers a striking combination of fruit density and nuance, all in an understated style that is quite appealing. Dark cherry, sweet tobacco, menthol, dried flowers and mint all run through this silky, supple Saint-Estèphe. As always, Lafon-Rochet is one of the more laid back, elegant wines of the appellation. Even so, the 2018 has lovely mid-palate sweetness and silky tannins, both of which add to its considerable appeal. The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Yields were a healthy 50 hectoliters per hectare, higher than the average, which is closer to 42-45. Tasted three times.

Wine Advocate

90-92

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe4/23/2019

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lafon-Rochet is scented of cassis, blackberries, herbs and soil with tar and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firm and grainy with herb sparks and an earthy finish.

Jamessuckling.com

93-94

byJames Sucklingthe4/12/2019

A firm and silky red with blackberries and hints of chocolate and hazelnut character. Medium to full body. Beautiful, fresh finish.

Jean-Marc QUARIN

94

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/8/2019

Wine Spectator

90-93

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2019

Light pepper and bay leaf accents lead the way, followed by ripe plum and blackberry compote flavors. Juicy and open in feel up front, but acquires a nice tug of earth through the finish.