The 2020 Lafon-Rochet was bottled at the end of June. It has quite an expressive bouquet, leaning more towards black fruit, touches of undergrowth and pencil box. This is very harmonious and actually quite similar in style to the Phélan-Ségur. The palate is medium-bodied with very pliant tannins, well judged acidity, fresh and displaying commendable depth. Hints of black pepper and cedar, a pleasing strictness on the finish, whereas I commented that it was quite Pomerol-like out of barrel, now it is much more Pauillac in style, with graphite lingering on the aftertaste. Excellent. 93 points

The 2020 Lafon-Rochet represents the essence of classicism in Bordeaux. Medium in body and finely-cut, Lafon-Rochet is one of the classiest, more refined Saint-Estèphes readers will come across. Dark fruit, earthiness, lavender, licorice, menthol and cloves add nuance, but it is the wine`s balance and vibrancy that impress most. Give the tannins a few years to melt away. Superb. 96 points