Lafon Rochet 1996

Château Lafon-Rochet 1996 is a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux. Château Lafon-Rochet is a Fourth Growth estate located within the Saint-Estèphe appellation. The property was recently acquired by French-Swiss real-estate investor Jacky Lorenzetti, whose portfolio includes Château Pédesclaux in Pauillac and Lilian Ladouys in Saint-Estèphe. "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 vigour. 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." Neal Martin, 2016