The 2019 Lafon-Rochet, which was picked from 25 September to 5 October, requires a little coaxing from the glass, eventually unfurling with blackberry, bilberry, violet and light crushed stone/clayey scents that is quintessential Saint-Estèphe. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, fresh and saline in the mouth, old school in the best sense of that expression. No, it is not the most flamboyant Lafon-Rochet, but it is imbued with a sense of nobility and classicism that I much admire. Tasted three times with consistent notes. June 2020

The 2019 Lafon-Rochet is absolutely gorgeous. Dark and powerful, yet also wonderfully translucent, the 2019 has so much to offer. Black cherry, licorice, spice, sweet tobacco, leather and dried herbs infuse the 2019 with striking layers of dimension and nuance. There is so much going on in this potent wine; this is a real sleeper in Saint-Estèphe. June 2020

The purity of fruit and balance in this young St.-Estephe is really beautiful with crushed-currant, stone and orange-peel aromas and flavors. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fine tannins and a pretty finish. We will see if this is better than the 2018 or not.