Chateau Lafon Rochet 2018

Château Lafon-Rochet 2018 is a well-regarded red wine from the Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux, France. It is a 4th Growth Estate from the 1855 Classification.

Wine Description The 2018 vintage is noted for being 'richer and bolder' than usual, with a full-bodied profile and a firm structure. The blend for the 2018 vintage is typically around 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, though some sources list slightly different proportions. The wine is aged in a percentage of new French oak barrels. Common tasting notes include ripe black and blue fruits, with a 'crunchy' or 'juicy' quality. Secondary notes of dark chocolate, licorice, forest floor, lead pencil, tar, and earthy or mineral undertones are also frequently mentioned. Some reviewers find hints of spice, wild mint, or smoky, grilled cedar on the nose. The wine has firm, ripe, and often chewy tannins, a round and mouth-filling texture, and good acidity that provides a 'freshness' to the finish. It typically has a long, flavorful, and clean finish.

Accolades

• Wine Enthusiast - 95 points, Editors' Choice.

• James Suckling - 94 points.

• Decanter - 94 points.

• Jeb Dunnuck - 94 points.

• Neal Martin (Vinous) - 93 points.

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 91 points.

Food Pairing This wine would pair well with grilled meats and strong cheeses. Its full-bodied and firm structure would stand up to a rich steak or lamb dish, and its notes of black fruit would complement the savory flavours.

Vintage Quality The 2018 vintage in Bordeaux was a challenging but ultimately successful one, with the ability to be flexible with vineyard treatments proving important.