Chateau Lafon Rochet - Saint Estephe 2022
Price: $54.96
| Producer | Chateau Lafon Rochet |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | St. Estephe |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Sku | 602270 |
| Size | 750ml |
One of the ten Fourth Growths in the 1855 classification and under the Tesseron family’s ownership until 2021, the wines were consistently solid. But standing in the vineyards and tasting through multiple vintages with the new team gave us a deeper appreciation for what’s happening here now. Under new ownership and renewed vision, this is an estate with lofty ambitions—and the 2022 vintage proves they’re delivering on them.
During our visit, we met with Christophe Congé, one of Lafon-Rochet’s key new leaders. Formerly the Oenologist and Wine Operations Manager at Château Lafite-Rothschild and Duhart-Milon, Christophe made the move to Lafon-Rochet in 2022. With 22 years at those iconic properties, he brings an extraordinary depth of experience—and a clear sense of how special Lafon-Rochet’s terroir truly is.
Situated at the border of Saint-Estèphe and Pauillac, the estate’s vineyards lie a stone’s throw from Cos d’Estournel and a serious drive off the tee box from Lafite itself. These vines are planted on elevated parcels (20–25 meters), with gravel, pebbles, and blue clay soils that lend structure and finesse. The team is moving toward certified organic farming (2024 marks the official certification), and the cellar is being modernized with new fermentation vessels designed for ultra-precise, parcel-by-parcel vinification.
Antonio Galloni: 95.97 Points
The 2022 Lafon-Rochet is fabulous. Once again, Lafon-Rochet is the most elegant wine in Saint-Estèphe. There's a bit more richness and mid-palate intensity than in the past, likely a combination of the year and the approach of the new team headed by Technical Director Christophe Congé, who was formerly at Lafite-Rothschild. The 2022 signals a new era for the château that is likely to see a greater focus on selection and a slightly richer style. Even so, the signatures of Lafon-Rochet are evident. It's an exciting time.
James Suckling: 94.95 Points
This shows a terrific tannin backbone with blackcurrants and berries. Medium body. Solid fruit. Vivid. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 31% merlot and 4% cabernet franc.
Jeb Dunnuck: 93-95 Points
One of the bigger, more structured wines in Saint-Estèphe, the 2022 Château Lafon-Rochet checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc. Ripe blackcurrants, smoky blue fruits, scorched earth, and chocolate all define the aromatics, and this concentrated, medium to full-bodied, powerful wine has ample mid-palate depth, ripe yet significant tannins, and a great finish. It's not for the instant gratification crowd and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, of cellaring. It's a beautiful wine though, worthy of purchasing and cellaring.
