Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Lafon-Rochet - 2012

Viniou Reviews

Château Lafon-Rochet 2012 is an esteemed red wine from the renowned Saint-Estèphe appellation, located in the Médoc subregion of Bordeaux. Classified as a Grand Cru, this wine embodies the classic characteristics of a left-bank Bordeaux blend, with predominant grape varieties typically including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complemented by smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2012 vintage reflects a moderate growing season after a challenging start, yielding structured yet approachable wines, with ripe dark fruit flavours, firm tannins, and notable freshness. The winemaking at Lafon-Rochet is meticulous, blending tradition with modern techniques, which include hand harvesting and careful ageing in French oak barrels to enhance complexity and balance.

The region of Saint-Estèphe is situated on the northern tip of the Médoc and is known for its gravelly soils layered over clay and limestone. This unique terroir contributes to the impressive depth, structure and age-worthiness characteristic of its wines. The maritime climate of Bordeaux, tempered by the nearby Gironde estuary, offers both warmth and humidity, but vines here benefit from good drainage and protection against severe frosts. Saint-Estèphe has a long history of winemaking, recognised for its robust and earthy expressions when compared to its southern neighbours.

Pairing Château Lafon-Rochet 2012 invites consideration for hearty, flavourful dishes. Classic matches would be lamb—try a rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic—or beef dishes such as entrecôte Bordelaise. Local specialities like confit de canard or cassoulet would also complement the wine’s structure and tannins, as would hard cheeses such as Comté or aged Cantal. The wine's balance of fruit and savoury notes allows it to shine alongside rustic fare.

For optimal appreciation, decant the wine an hour before serving to allow aeration and softening of tannins. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will reveal the nuanced aromatics and texture of the wine, ensuring a truly memorable tasting experience.