2019 Ch. Lafon-Rochet Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet Grand Cru Classé, St-Estèphe

Ripe blackcurrants and blackberries with hints of sweet tobacco, walnuts and dark chocolate. Medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and lingering crushed-stone character. Firm finish with some nuttiness to it. Bold and solid, classic St.-Estephe. Try after 2026.

94 points James Suckling

Les Pèlerins is the second wine of Château Lafon Rochet, a Fourth Growth from the 1855 classification sitting in the heart of Saint Estèphe. The Tesseron family, who also own Pontet Canet, have brought a renewed focus to the estate over recent years, with careful vineyard work and a push toward greater precision in the cellar. Gravelly soils over clay give the wines their classic Saint Estèphe backbone, structure, depth and a slightly firmer edge than their Médoc neighbours.

Cabernet Sauvignon leads the blend, supported by Merlot and smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, delivering a wine that is both approachable and true to its origins. The aromatics show blackcurrant and dark cherry, layered with plum and a gentle lift of violet. There is a savoury thread running through it, cedar, tobacco and a touch of graphite, giving that unmistakable Bordeaux character.

The palate is medium to full bodied, with fine but present tannins providing structure without overwhelming the fruit. There is a nice balance between ripeness and freshness, the fruit flowing into more savoury, lightly earthy notes on the finish. It feels composed and classic, offering a glimpse of Saint Estèphe without the need for long cellaring.

Winemaking is handled with the same care as the grand vin, but with an eye toward earlier drinking, softer extraction and well judged oak integration keeping everything in harmony.

This is a natural at the table. Roast lamb, grilled steak or slow cooked beef all work beautifully, and it also pairs well with hard cheeses where the tannins can cut through richness.