Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The best showing of the Lafon Rochet ’06 so far! It has an open nose that is well defined, but unashamedly earthy and austere with aromas of pencil shavings, leather and a touch of white pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with sharp acidity, a decent backbone here, structured, blackberry laced with black pepper with a salty tang towards the finish. Moderate length and a lively, tactile, “umami” aftertaste. Tasted January 2010. 90 points

Red-ruby. Currant, licorice, smoky oak and a whiff of meat on the nose. At once smooth and vinous, with a slightly leafy character to the currant, mineral and graphite flavors. Nicely lush wine with well-buffered, building tannins and good length. 88 points

Earthy, autumnal, vegetative notes intermixed with sweet cola, black cherry, and black currant are present in this dense purple-colored wine. Firm tannins are present, but the wine has excellent fruit, depth, and texture. Drink 2013-2