Lafon-Rochet 2019 St. Estephe

The 2019 Ch. Lafon-Rochet is Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 5%. The 45 hectares of Château Lafon-Rochet’s vineyards span across two hillsides in Saint-Estèphe. On one side, gravel provides excellent natural drainage, which is optimal for our Cabernet Sauvignon. On the other, clay regulates natural water reserves and provides our vines a perfect balance. The estate began a vast agroecology program in 2019 including organic farming, cover crops in the vineyard and the planting of thousands of hedges and trees among the vines. (estate website) "The 2019 has an opaque, violet-black hue in the glass. The aromatics blend sweet and smoky elements, with blackcurrant, perfumed black cherry and currant intertwined with threads of mineral earth. The palate shows great balance and poise, carrying the dark, earthy, mineral, dried fruit flavours suggested by the nose, in a sinewy and medium-bodied substance, all wrapped up within a body of ripe, velvety and tightly knit tannins. Deliciously ripe at the end, persistently taut and savoury though with a gripped length, with a rich lingering tannic presence, this shows fine potential." (Wine Doctor 2020)