VM96: The 2022 Lafon-Rochet is pure class. Silky, aromatic and gracious, Lafon-Rochet is quite possibly the most under the-radar Saint-Estephe. Bright blue/purplish fruit, lavender, sage, mint and spice are all beautifully delineated wine of sublime elegance and class, Lafon-Rochet is exquisite in 2022.

JD93-95+: 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.

JS94: Deep and ripe but still very demure on the nose, with dark chocolate, cigar box, blackcurrants, white pepper and a touch of graphite. Very juicy and nicely chewy on the palate, with a full body and a tight, lengthy finish. This won’t be approachable until 2029.