Bordeaux, Chateau Lafon Rochet, Saint-Estephe, FR, 2018

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.

• 95 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

• 94 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.

• 94 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

• 94 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.

• 93 Wine Spectator
  Light pepper and bay leaf accents lead the way, followed by ripe plum and blackberry compote flavors. Juicy and open in feel up front, but acquires a nice tug of earth through the finish.
  Barrel Sample: 90-93
• 93 Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
  COMMENTARY: The 2018 Château Lafon-Rochet is firm, poised, and well-balanced. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows excellent aromas and flavors of red and black fruit, with a dollop of oak. Enjoy it with a grilled, well-marbled, juicy ribeye. (Tasted: June 25, 2021, San Francisco, CA)
• 91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  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 tannin's and just enough freshness, finishing with great length, if a little chewy.