Chateau Lafon Rochet 2011, 5th Growth St Estephe
Deep ruby coloured with a tight rim. Reflecting the terroir of St Estephe with a certain uniqueness in style, this 2011 froms a blend of Merlot 33%, Cabernet Sauvignon 59%, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot. Broodingly rich oozing sweet, it gives on the nose fleshy plum and cassis fruit. In this sense this wine is simple. If you fully it decant for 45 minutes+ to enable to reveal its real potential to include tones of the earth and funk. In another sense, this wine is complicated.
By now even this lighter 2011 vintage gives a full palate of concentration, flavour, textured tannins, dense black fruits, hints of boysenberry, cedar and a touch of pepper and roundness — a very slick smooth finish that needs a little more reserve. Surely there are strong supporters for this wine even though some would say there is a shortage of fruitiness by Cru Standard. And, the vintage 2011 is not that easy to come by on the market. Chunky and not as refined, it could do with being a degree less macerated and less oak. But this style is iconic of Lafon Rochet. It is of excellent value for the quality and stylistics. Can keep for some years.
Socres are stable.
WE92Wine Enthusiast This is a wine that has great potential—you can tell from the firm tannins, tight acidity and closed texture. Initially, black currant flavors are touched with dark, dusty notes, but they finish with more juicy character on the afterntaste. Drink from 2017.
