Chateau Lafon-Rochet is a famous 4th Growth St-Estephe Bordeaux estate that had previously been owned by the Tesseron family since 1959 but which has recently been purchased by the Jacky Lorenzetti stable of Chateaux. The property was slightly neglected in years gone by before Guy Tesseron extensively replanted the estate as part of a wider rejuvenation project which included rebuilding a completely new château in “chartreuse” style.

Planted to 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc on clay-gravel soils, the vineyards are perfectly sited in the south of the commune opposite prestigious neighbours Chateau Lafite-Rothschild and Cos d’Estournel. With an ample amount of quality grapes, the second wine Les Pelerins always shows an excellent balance between the tannic structure and an acid freshness supported by aromatic complexity.

Les Pelerins de Chateau Lafon-Rochet 2019, Saint-Estephe, 14% Abv.

A blend of 57% Merlot and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine shows the exhilarating lifted aromatics of a rich, ripe, opulent vintage which of course 2019 was. The nose is loaded with exotic blueberry and black berry fruits nuances, freshly baked blueberry crumble, vanilla pod spice, graphite, cut cedar and hints of salted caramel. The texture is rich and intense but also crunchy and fresh with vibrant acids adding a notable linearity and tension to keep the ripe blueberry fruits in check. Deliciously accessible and balanced, this is an impressive red that shows massive drinkability as any second wine should. Classic Claret with an exotic twist. Drink now and over the next 8 to 10+ years.

(Wine Safari Score: 91/100 Greg Sherwood MW)