Chateau Lafon-Rochet

Chateau Lafon-Rochet


Few Bordeaux chateaux are more associated with a particular colour than St-Estephe fourth growth Lafon-Rochet; both the chateau itself and the label on the bottle are a bright shade of yellow. (It’s worth noting, though, that over in Pomerol Vieux Chateau Certan does own pink). Lafon-Rochet began as an aristocratic home and estate, though (unlike many chateaux) it was not confiscated during the Revolution. The modern world arrived in 1959, when chateau and estate were purchased by the Tesseron family. The buildings were extremely dilapidated and the vineyards were in an atrocious state, so they had their work well and truly cut out.

Lafon-Rochet is well-placed in the south-west of St-Estephe, not too far from Cos d’Estournel and, just over in Pauillac, Lafite. The soils are very clay-heavy, and there is even a streak of Petrus-style blue clay on which Cabernet flourishes. The vineyards are planted to 57 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 37 per cent Merlot, 4 per cent Petit Verdot and 2 per cent Cabernet Franc.

Basile Tesseron took over in 2007, and his management was notable for a focus on green techniques aimed at increasing biodiversity in the vineyard. He became concerned about the long-term impact of copper on the soils, and so decided Lafon-Rochet would no longer seek organic certification. (Under organic certification schemes, copper sulphate is the only permitted form of fungicide that is broadly effective against downy mildew, but some winemakers are concerned that it may be worse for soils than the ‘artificial’ fungicides disallowed in organics).

In 2021, a new chapter opened for Lafon-Rochet, when the Tesserons sold to Jacky Lorenzetti. Lorenzetti already owns neighbouring Lilian Ladouys, as well as Pedesclaux in Pauillac and d’Issan in Margaux. Emmanuel Cruse, who completely transformed d’Issan for the better, has taken over management at Lafon-Rochet. (NT 10/08/23)

Vintage Description Cs Sz Bt Sz Cs Bts Cs ibsort descending Cs inc Bt inc
2018 drink or keep Lafon-Rochet (St-Estephe)
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12x 37.5cl 0 2 - £256.84 £24.95 Buy