Location and surface area of the Château Lafon-Rochet vineyard
Standing out due to its golden yellow façade, Château Lafon-Rochet comprises a single-block vineyard that covers 41 hectares in the Saint-Estephe appellation. The vines are planted on soils composed of deep gravel and gravel on clay. Although most of the vineyard is 38 years old on average, the oldest vines were planted in 1938.
What is the history of Château Lafon-Rochet?
Boasting origins that date back to the 17th century
Antoinette de Guillemotes married Étienne de Lafon, the owner of Domaine Rochet at the time. A member of parliament from Gironde, he decided to plant vines on the estate’s terroir, which was renamed Château Lafon-Rochet following their union. The estate remained owned by the Lafon family until the 1880s.
1855, recognition among the elite of Saint-Estèphe wines
In 1855, Château Lafon-Rochet was awarded as a 4th Grand Cru Classé of Saint-Estèphe, among the 61 Bordeaux estates present at the Universal Exhibition in Paris.
A considerable growth from 1960 onwards
The son of Abel Tesseron, the founder of the eponymous Cognac house in 1905, Guy Tesseron acquired Château Lafon-Rochet in 1960.
A visionary and passionate man, Guy Tesseron thoroughly reorganised the vineyard, which at the time comprised only 15 hectares, with the ambition of making Château Lafon-Rochet a standard among fine Saint-Estèphe wines and on the left bank of Bordeaux. Having been ravaged by fire, the château was entirely rebuilt in a typical 18th-century chartreuse style.
A family legacy for over 60 years
Following the passing of Guy Tesseron in 1999, the estate was passed on to his two children, Caroline Poniatowski and Michel Tesseron. The latter carried out major work on the winemaking tools and on the chartreuse, which was repainted in golden yellow in 2000. This colour, much loved by Michel Tesseron, will also feature on the labels of Château Lafon-Rochet.
Basile Tesseron, Michel's son, took over the family estate in 2007.
The start of a new era from 2021
Businessman and founder of the Foncia Group, Jacky Lorenzetti acquired Château Lafon-Rochet in September 2021. Jacky Lorenzetti owns several estates on the left bank of Bordeaux, Château Lilian-Ladouys (Saint-Estèphe), Château Pédesclaux (Pauillac) and also co-owns Château d'Issan (Margaux).
All there is to know about Château Lafon-Rochet’s terroir
Location and sun exposure
Château Lafon-Rochet is located in the south-west of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, between the terroirs of two illustrious estates, Château Lafite-Rotschild and Château Cos d'Estournel.
Geology: a terroir that provides the vines with an ideal water supply
Château Lafon-Rochet watches over a 41-hectare and single-block vineyard. The main feature of this prestigious terroir is its location on two of the appellation’s hillsides. While the gravelly soil on one side favours an optimal soil-drainage, the clay soil on the other side plays a crucial role in the soil’s water regulation.
Climate: vines enjoying an oceanic climate
Due to its geographical location between the ocean and the Gironde estuary, the Saint-Estèphe appellation enjoys an oceanic climate. A mostly mild and humid winter precedes a hot and relatively dry summer.
Growing practices
The teams at Château Lafon-Rochet manage the vineyard with both rigour and passion. The grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Vinification process
In a never-ending quest for excellence, Château Lafon-Rochet acquired two new estates between 2014 and 2016, a stainless steel vat room and a concrete vat room.
The style of the wines of Château Lafon-Rochet
Château Lafon-Rochet produces two wines. The Grand Vin and Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet, the estate’s Second Vin.
An authentic and refined expression of the richness and various nuances of the Saint-Estèphe terroirs, the alluring wines by Château Lafon-Rochet exhibit power, refinement and precision.
The profile of the wines
The nose is fresh and fruity and offers a great elegance. The balance and minerality are harmoniously combined in a supple, structured palate with very fine tannins.
Ageing potential
With their complexity and amplitude, the wines by Château Lafon-Rochet reveal their full aromatic richness after 8 to 15 years of cellaring, or even longer.
Food and wine pairing
Red and white meats, game and hard or soft cheeses will pair with Château Lafon-Rochet wines beautifully.
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