2018 Chateau Lafon-Rochet Saint-Estephe France

Winemaker Notes
The estate's great wine comes from the oldest vines. The Lafon-Rochet is a wine that is both simple and complex, it expresses aromas of black fruits in the majority of vintages, there is really a fade and a particular expression of Saint Estèphe, a certain warmth, and roundness while finesse from the Merlot grape variety.

Press
Rated 95 Points 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. Editors’ Choice

Rated 94 Points 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.

Rated 94 Points Decanter
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.Drinking Window 2026 - 2040

Rated 94 Points 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.