This fourth growth did not receive rave reviews en primeur or upon release, but it is truly coming into its own in late 2010. Formerly known for viciously tannic wine, Lafon-Rochet added more merlot to the mix for a much softer blend, and nine years of aging present a well balanced, focused, and surprisingly feminine wine. The mouth-feel is round and full. Black fruit leads the attack, more plum than blackcurrant, with an undercurrent of limestone. The mid-palate is rich with dark chocolate and the tiniest hint of tomato, likely from a bit of cabernet franc in the blend. Tannins, powdery fine, appear on the mid-length finish. Drink with grilled lamb chops.
WHO: Chateau Lafon-Rochet
WHAT: Red Bordeaux blend
WHERE: St-Estephe, Bordeaux, France
WHEN: 2001
HOW MUCH: $35
