Lafon-Rochet, Chateau
Summary
Château Lafon-Rochet is a historic Fourth Growth estate in Saint-Estèphe with 45 hectares of vineyards planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon on gravel, clay, and limestone soils near prestigious neighbors Cos d'Estournel and Lafite-Rothschild. The property combines traditional Bordeaux winemaking with modern precision through plot-by-plot management and careful oak aging, maintaining its classic character while implementing thoughtful innovations under new owner Jacky Lorenzetti since 2021.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Lafon-Rochet stands as one of Saint-Estèphe's distinguished properties, established in 1650 when Antoinette Lafon purchased the estate. The château earned its place as a Fourth Growth (Quatrième Cru) in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification, cementing its position among the elite properties of the Médoc. The Tesseron family acquired the estate in 1960, with Guy Tesseron taking the helm and later passing leadership to his son Michel Tesseron, who guided the property for decades. In 2021, a significant transition occurred when businessman Jacky Lorenzetti, owner of Château Pédesclaux and Château Lilian Ladouys, purchased Lafon-Rochet, marking a new chapter in the property's development. Under Lorenzetti's direction, the estate has maintained its commitment to quality while implementing strategic improvements to both vineyards and winemaking facilities.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Lafon-Rochet encompasses 45 hectares of vineyards in the Saint-Estèphe appellation on Bordeaux's Left Bank. The estate benefits from a strategic location with parcels situated near prestigious neighbors Château Cos d'Estournel and Château Lafite-Rothschild in the neighboring Pauillac appellation. The vineyards feature the classic Médoc soil composition of deep gravel, clay, and limestone, providing excellent drainage and mineral complexity. The plantings consist of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, with vines averaging 37 years of age. The property's terroir produces wines characterized by Saint-Estèphe's typical structure and aging potential, while expressing a distinctive balance between power and finesse. The grand vin, Château Lafon-Rochet, represents the estate's primary expression, while the second wine, Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet, offers an earlier-drinking alternative that maintains the property's signature style.
Philosophy & Practice
At Château Lafon-Rochet, vineyard management focuses on plot-by-plot precision, with each parcel harvested separately to capture optimal ripeness. In the cellar, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction management. The estate employs a combination of traditional and modern techniques, including gentle pump-overs and carefully monitored maceration periods tailored to each vintage's characteristics. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with 50-60% new oak for the grand vin over a period of 16-18 months. The technical team conducts rigorous barrel-by-barrel selection before final blending decisions. Since the Lorenzetti acquisition, the property has increased its focus on precision viticulture, implementing detailed soil studies and adapting vineyard management practices to enhance terroir expression. The estate maintains environmental responsibility through sustainable farming practices, water conservation measures, and energy efficiency initiatives throughout the winemaking process.