Chateau Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estephe, 2020

Lafon-Rochet is situated on one of appellation`s greatest terroirs next door to Cos d`Estournel, and is without a doubt an estate on the rise. Impressive investment in recent years, both in the vineyard and cellar, has allowed Basile Tesseron to craft of the finest wines in the estate’s history. Jancis Robinson MW proclaimed it `a very successful 2020... well done Basile Tesseron for producing something so appetising and groundbreaking.` 2020 is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot.

Deep lustrous purplish crimson. Interesting vitality to the nose, almost as though biodynamic techniques were employed here. Lovely balance of ripeness and vitality. This is a very successful 2020. It may be dismissed by some because the tannins are not obvious but it`s a delightful drink – already! Very distinctive. Perhaps not for seriously long-term cellaring but well done Basile Tesseron for producing something so appetising and groundbreaking. The finish is impressively persistent. 17/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com, May 2021

Blackberry and spice with firm, chewy tannins that show polish and focus. It’s medium-to full-bodied with excellent energy. Blackberry and blackcurrant character on the finish with a touch of cedar and spice. 93-94/100 points. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, May 2021

Attractive, well-paced fruits, plenty of clarity to the flavours, together with a feeling of linearity to the tannins. Austerity through the mid-palate constrains the brambled cassis fruit, but things build back up again and this is a measured, successful wine that will age well. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. First year with Eric Boissenot accompanying Jean-Claude Berrouet as consultants. 93/100 points. Jane Anson, decanter.com, May 2021

Expressive nose of black cherry and cassis with a touch of violet. Juicy and luscious on the mid-palate with ripe, round tannins and a crunchy black currant and cranberry fruit core fused with underlying liquorice spice. Bravo. Barrel sample tasted at Moor Park. James Goodhart

Deep lustrous purplish crimson. Interesting vitality to the nose, almost as though biodynamic techniques were employed here. Lovely balance of ripeness and vitality. This is a very successful 2020. It may be dismissed by some because the tannins are not obvious but it`s a delightful drink – already! Very distinctive. Perhaps not for seriously long-term cellaring but well done Basile Tesseron for producing something so appetising and groundbreaking. The finish is impressively persistent. 17/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com, May 2021

Blackberry and spice with firm, chewy tannins that show polish and focus. It’s medium-to full-bodied with excellent energy. Blackberry and blackcurrant character on the finish with a touch of cedar and spice. 93-94/100 points. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, May 2021

Attractive, well-paced fruits, plenty of clarity to the flavours, together with a feeling of linearity to the tannins. Austerity through the mid-palate constrains the brambled cassis fruit, but things build back up again and this is a measured, successful wine that will age well. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. First year with Eric Boissenot accompanying Jean-Claude Berrouet as consultants. 93/100 points. Jane Anson, decanter.com, May 2021

Expressive nose of black cherry and cassis with a touch of violet. Juicy and luscious on the mid-palate with ripe, round tannins and a crunchy black currant and cranberry fruit core fused with underlying liquorice spice. Bravo. Barrel sample tasted at Moor Park. James Goodhart