2021, Château Lafon-Rochet, SAINT-ESTÉPHE , 4ème Grand Cru Classe

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot.

Recent vintages here at this Fourth Growth St Estéphe have been amongst the best ever. This striking property, with its yellow walls, is just along the road from Cos d'Estournel and overlooks the vineyards of Lafite.  This represents first class value.

The 2021 Lafon-Rochet is a wine of notable precision. It will be interesting to see if it gains a bit more flesh in élevage. Today, the 2021 is decidedly lithe in feel. Crushed flowers, mint, rose petal and bright acids lend energy to a core of red berry fruit. Captivating in its inner perfume and elegance, Lafon-Rochet is the most Pauillac-like of the Saint-Estèphes. 91-93 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

The 2021 is bright purple in colour ith cool hedgerow fruit and a hint of blueberry on the nose. The palate is compact and fresh but not underripe. Chalky Médocain tannins offer ample framing for the savoury flavours on display. Hints of graphite and pepper come through with bright black fruit. Easy, unforced and well-made. 90-92 Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners.

A firm and linear wine with blackberry and blackcurrant character. Medium body. Creamy. Focused for the vintage. Turns to plums and citrus at the end. From organically grown grapes. 69% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. 92-93 James Suckling.

Juicy and lively, this has a playful and fun nature to the fruit - sweet strawberry and raspberry with some herbal raspberry leaf touches too and the Cabernet spice and backbone also making an appearance. Nice clarity with a smooth texture and an overall glossy feel to it despite the robust tannins on the finish. Plump and layered with charm. The last vintage under the helm of Basile Tesseron. 91 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.