Chateau Lafon Rochet 2018

- Robert Parkers WINE ADVOCATE, Lisa Perrotti-Brown: „Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lafon-Rochet delivers impactful scents of baked blackberries, warm cassis and black cherry compote, with suggestions of chargrill, tar and tobacco leaf, plus a waft of wild mushrooms. The medium to full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit preserves and earthy accents, supported by firm, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great length, if a little chewy.“

- 95 Punkte WINE ENTHUSIAST: „This wine comes from an estate that is performing with distinction. It is rich, the tannins cushioned by ripe blackberry fruits and good acidity. Showing both structure and fruitiness, the wine will develop well, everything in balance. Drink from 2026.“

- 92 Punkte WINESPECTATOR, James Molesworth: „Seductive, with a gush of dark plum and blackberry preserve notes leading off, while light bay, dark tobacco and charcoal notes peek through. Has a racy edge through the finish, even with the warm fruit keeping the upper hand. Nicely done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2032.“

- 94 Punkte DECANTER, Jane Anson: „Smoke and grilled cedar on the nose. Clearly ambitious, this is good-quality, with plenty of power and forward motion, depth of liquorice and a Bendicks Mint feel of bitter chocolate and mint. Precision, depth and power, with years ahead of it, if closed and a little austere right now. Brilliant value among the classifieds. A 46hl/ha yield also, so generous.“

- 18 Punkte Rene Gabriels BORDEAUX TOTAL, Andre Kunz: „Kunz Fassprobe 19: Mineralisches, tiefes, dichtes Bouquet, Cassis, schwarze Brombeeren, Kohle, Edelhölzer. Dichter, kraftvoller, aromatischer Gaumen mit kräftiger Struktur, feinsandigem Tannin, dichter Aromatik, dunkler Frucht, langer, dichter Abgang.“

- 94 Punkte JEB DUNNUCK: „The upper Médoc did brilliantly in 2018, and that's certainly apparent when tasting the 2018 Château Lafon-Rochet. Sporting a deep purple hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of ripe black and blue fruits, lead pencil, forest floor, chocolate, and leafy herbs, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a round, mouth-filling texture, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It doesn't quite have the precision of the top wines in the appellation, but it's loaded with charm and character, and I'd certainly be thrilled to drink a bottle. This rich, textured, flavorful Saint-Estèphe will benefit from 4-6 years in the cellar and keep for two decades.“

- 94 Punkte JAMES SUCKLING: „Blackberry and blueberry on the nose, as well as dark-chocolate, mineral and earthy undertones. It’s full-bodied with firm tannins. Fleshy and savory texture with layers. Flavorful finish and beautiful length. Lovely ripe fruit in the center palate. Try after 2025.“

- 17 Punkte VINUM: „Zurückhaltende Nase, bei Belüftung Noten von schwarzen Beeren; fleischiger satter Auftakt, von geschmeidigem Bau, ausgewogen, seidige Gerbstoffe, von guter Länge, harmonisch, endet fruchtig-würzig; liebenswürdig, unglaublich sinnlich, macht schon jetzt Spass und kann doch reifen.“