Lafon Rochet 2000, 2003, 2011

Lafon is my primer to Bordeaux's structure, density and power. Finese, probably not. The three vintages here point to the classic style of Lafon Rochet. Neal Martin on vintage 2000 touches on the grand manner of Lafon Rochet.; James Suckling on the 2003 roundness and longevity; Tim Atkins on the broodiness though it lacked finesse.

92 points, Neal Martin's Wine Journal: "A very dense, quite opulent plum-scented nose with briary, blueberry, a touch of hoi sin and macerated cherries. Good lift and definition. Full-bodied, rich, dense black fruits with thick, chewy tannins. Dense structure, significant weight and persistence with a succulent blackberry finish. Still very primal with a long future ahead. Superb. Drink 2012-2025. " Edited.

93 points, James Suckling

Decadent and rich with a meaty and ripe fruit aroma. Full, dense, and juicy, with round, velvety tannins and a long finish. A big burly wine. Pull the cork after 2015; this needs time. Edited.

93 points Time Atkins. This 2011 Lafon Rochet isn't a wine for the fainthearted, but you must admire how it screams St Estèphe at the top of its voice: brooding, super rich and very tannic. The oak is perhaps a bit heavy-handed, but there's plenty of sweet, fleshy plum and cassis fruit, too. An ambitious wine that should soak up the barrel staves in the bottle. 10+ years. Edited.