Château Lafon-Rochet Saint-Estèphe (Grand Cru Classé) 2016

The golden-yellow exterior of Château Lafon-Rochet can be seen from afar as one ascends Bordeaux’s D2 road, which winds through some of the greatest Médoc vineyards.

It is a colour that is both bold and warm, reflecting those who play a part in the making of its wines, who are guided by commitment and passion.

Château Lafon-Rochet is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Estèphe, with origins dating back to the 16th century.

Initially known as “Domaine de Rochet”, it was renamed “Château Lafon-Rochet” in 1650 following the marriage of its owner, Antoinette de Guillemotes, to Étienne de Lafon.

Château Lafon-Rochet saw two centuries of winegrowing during which the vineyard grew and improved dramatically, culminating in its awarding of the title of Quatrième Grand Cru Classé at the Official Classification of 1855.

In 1960, Guy Tesseron, a Cognac tycoon, bought the estate and it has been family-owned and was ran by Basil Tesseron (Guy’s grandson), who continues the work of his predecessors with passion, humour and ambition.

At the end of 2021, the Lorenzetti family acquired Château Lafon-Rochet, catalysing the birth of Vignobles Cruse-Lorenzetti, whose portfolio also includes :

Château d’Issan, Grand Cru Classé en 1855, Margaux

Château Pédesclaux, Grand Cru Classé en 1855, Pauillac

Château Lilian Ladouys, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, Saint-Estèphe.

The property is now managed by Christophe Congé, in close collaboration with third-generation vigneron, Emmanuel Cruse.

The Château Lafon-Rochet 2016 vintage has remarkable strength and length providing much elegance to the tasting experience.