1996 Château Lafon-Rochet
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Lafon-Rochet shows slight bricking on the rim. It's a little rustic with black fruit, sandalwood, and sage on the nose, but this is certainly showing good vigor after 25 years. The palate is balanced with tannins, a little "sauvage" now, mushroom and mint, fennel and black tea, a slight dryness creeping in at the finish but a perfect Englishman’s Claret to drink now because it has evolved a lot in the last five years. Tasted at the Lafon-Rochet vertical at the property.
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More reviews and scores
The 1996 Lafon-Rochet is a wine that I had not tasted for nearly one decade. It was always a modest 1996 Saint Estèphe. The nose is pleasant with blackberry and briary aromas, cedar and sandalwood, but perhaps what is missing vigor. You almost end up giving it a kick up the rear to offer more intensity. The palate is well balanced and delivers a pleasant fleshy mouthfeel. It feels saline in the mouth with a generous pinch of black pepper towards the finish. This is drinking beautifully now and if your expectations and not lofty, you will enjoy this Lafon-Rochet that is à point. Tasted July 2016.
Mid ruby with hardly any ageing. Quite full and ripe and dense and attention grabbing. Big, bold fruit followed by St-Estèphe freshness. Lots to get your teeth into here… Very youthful. Very flattering. Quite sweet for a St-Estèphe. (JR)
About the producer
Instantly recognisable for its sunshine-yellow château and labels, Ch. Lafon-Rochet is a Fourth Growth Saint-Estèphe estate renowned for its age-worthy wines. Quality at the property has increased significantly over the last two decades and, with new owners from 2021, this will only continue.