Château Lafon-Rochet 2015 - Saint-Estèphe 

A dense, refined expression of Saint-Estèphe: the 2015 vintage of Château Lafon-Rochet, a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, matured for 14 to 16 months in barrels (40-50% new), reveals all the structure and elegance of this grand cru.

Awards

Lobenberg: 95-97/100

Wine Enthusiast: 95/100 (Cellar Selection)

James Suckling: 93/100

Decanter: 91/100

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 91-92/100

Wine Spectator: 89-91/100

Tasting

Colour: Deep red, brilliant purple, suggesting a concentrated, ripe wine.

Nose: Aromatic and intense, combining black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), floral touches (rose, iris, lavender), notes of graphite, menthol, delicate spices (clove), toasted wood and cedar.

Palate: Fleshy attack, between richness and suppleness. The tannins are firm but silky, providing a perfect framework for the aromas of red and black fruit. The mid-palate is dense, enhanced by freshness, and the finish is persistent and elegant, marked by a pleasant gravelly minerality and hints of spice.

Food and wine pairings

Pairs admirably with red meat: pan-fried rib of beef, veal fillet in a crust, game (venison, wild boar), as well as mature cheeses (Salers, Comté, Morbier). It can also enhance more refined dishes such as duck breast with spices or roast pork in the forest.