critic reviews
Reductive flint edge on the nose, opening to show a grilled raspberry and redcurrant character, fresh acidities, cuts through the black fruits and makes things a little edgy, although plenty of potential for softening further over next few years. Christophe Congé director.
The 2023 Lafon-Rochet is much more intense and fresher than the Pélerins, graphite- and tobacco-tinged black fruit, just a light floral note in the background. Well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple entry, fine tannins, classic in style with quite a liberal sprinkling of cracked black pepper. Quite graphite-driven on the finish, afford this three or four years in bottle to get the most from it.
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Lafon-Rochet leaps with vibrant notes of kirsch, cranberry preserves, and fresh blackberries leading to hints of bay leaves, graphite, and damp soil. The medium-bodied palate is lively and lightly chewy, with great tension adding sparkle to the red and black berry layers, finishing with an herbal lift. The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, with pH 3.75.
Generous and layered, the 2023 Lafon-Rochet offers up aromas of blackberries, cassis, incense and burning embers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and enveloping palate that's gourmand and charming, concluding with a gently minty finish. Like the 2023, this represents a richer, more demonstrative style for this Saint-Estephe property, where Christophe Conge and his team are rehabilitating the vineyards.