Chateau Lafon Rochet Saint Estephe 2003

Chateau Lafon Rochet Saint Estephe 2003
The origin of Lafon Rochet's vines goes back to the 17th century. The estate includes a single 100 acre block of vineyards in the distinguished Saint Estephe Grand Cru appellation, next to the estate of Lafitte Rothschild. Characteristic of wines from Saint Estephe, this red is powerful, rich, concentrated, full bodied and smooth. It is a blend of 55% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Chateau Lafon Rochet's vineyards and vintners produce wine of a rich and dense character that will age gracefully for years to come. This is a sleeper of a vintage with dense blue/purple color. It exhibits plenty of blackberry, cassis and graphite along with a touch of toasty new oak. The wine is more backward than expected, but it possesses full-bodied, concentrated flavors as well as good elegance, purity, and overall equilibrium. This is a long-distance runner. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.