Chateau Lafon Rochet St-Estephe 2018

Deeply colored, concentrated, and distinctive, St. Estephe is the go-to for great, age-worthy and reliable Bordeaux reds. Separated from Pauillac merely by a stream, St. Estephe is the farthest northwest of the highest classed villages of the Haut Medoc and is therefore subject to the most intense maritime influence of the Atlantic.

Critical Acclaim

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. Its 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 Jeb Dunnuck

The upper Mdoc did brilliantly in 2018, and that’s certainly apparent when tasting the 2018 Chteau 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-Estphe will benefit from 4-6 years in the cellar and keep for two decades.

94 Vinous

The 2018 Lafon-Rochet is such a classy wine. Power and finesse meld together in this Saint-Estphe that is gorgeous, right from the very first taste. Black cherry, herbs, leather, licorice and dried flowers all build in the glass. In 2018, Lafon-Rochet is richer and bolder than it usually is, and yet all the elements are so nicely balanced. I would give it a few years in the cellar to allow some of the baby fat to melt away.

92 Wine Spectator

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.

92 Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Lafon-Rochet is scented of cassis, blackberries, herbs and soil with tar and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is firm and grainy with herb sparks and an earthy finish.