Chateau Lafon Rochet 2020 St-Estephe

The 2020 vintage is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. While still slightly closed, the nose opens to a fine, elegant red berry notes. There is a fruity attack with smooth tannins leading to a fresh finish. A few more years of cellaring will benefit to help develop its already complex aromas.

Château Lafon-Rochet stands as one of the oldest estates in Saint-Estèphe, with origins tracing back to the 16th century. Over the ensuing two centuries, the estate's vineyard expanded and improved significantly, culminating in its classification as a Quatrième Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. In 1960, Guy Tesseron, a visionary with a passion for wine, acquired the property. He undertook a comprehensive restructuring of the vineyard and constructed a new château, as the original had been destroyed by fire. His son, Michel Tesseron, succeeded him in 1999, initiating major renovations to the winemaking facilities and repainting the château in 2000 with its distinctive golden-yellow hue—a colour that would later become emblematic of the estate's labels and wines. In 2007, Basile Tesseron, representing the third generation of the Tesseron family, assumed leadership. He further advanced the estate by installing two new cellars—one stainless steel and the other concrete—enhancing the winemaking process.

At the end of 2021, the Lorenzetti family acquired Château Lafon-Rochet, integrating it into their portfolio under Vignobles Cruse-Lorenzetti, which also includes: Château d’Issan, Château Pédesclaux, and Château Lilian Ladouys. The estate is now managed by Christophe Congé, who brings over two decades of experience from Château Lafite Rothschild, working closely with third-generation vigneron Emmanuel Cruse. Together, they continue to uphold and enhance the legacy of Château Lafon-Rochet.