The origin of Lafon Rochet's vines goes back to the 17th century when, in 1650, Antoinette de Guillemotte, brought the land of ’Rochette’ as her dowry to her husband, Pierre de Lafon, a Councillor in the Bordeaux Parliament. In common with many other bordeaux wine properties, it was not long before the estate took on the name of its owner, and became Château Lafon-Rochet. In spite of the French Revolution in 1789, the estate remained in the hands of this far-sighted family for more than two centuries. They did much for the reputation of its wines, and were duly rewarded by their inclusion in the 1855 Classification, one of only 5 estates from St-Estèphe to receive this honor. In 1880, Madame Lafon de Camarsac died, after which the estate changed hands several times. When Guy Tesseron became the new owner in 1959, it was in serious need of restoration. At this point began the renaissance of Château Lafon-Rochet, which in a few years, was to restore it to its former glory.

Having first put the vineyards back in to good order, Guy Tesseron turned his attention to the vinification buildings and the Château itself, which were all in a very dillapitated state. Judging them to be too far gone, he decided to build an entirely new Château in the Chartreuse style of the 18th century. The estate includes a single 100 acre block of vineyards in the distinguished Saint Estephe Grand Cru appellation, next to the estate of Lafitte Rothschild.

Characteristic of wines from Saint Estephe, this red is powerful, rich, concentrated, full bodied and smooth. It is a blend of 55% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Chateau Lafon Rochet's vineyards and vintners produce wine of a rich and dense character that will age gracefully for years to come. This is a sleeper of a vintage with dense blue/purple color. It exhibits plenty of blackberry, cassis and graphite along with a touch of toasty new oak. The wine is more backward than expected, but it possesses full-bodied, concentrated flavors as well as good elegance, purity, and overall equilibrium. This is a long-distance runner. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.


$137.00