France · Bordeaux

Chateau Lafon-Rochet

Château Lafon-Rochet is a Saint-Estèphe Quatrième Grand Cru Classé that benefited significantly from the Tesseron family's investment and replanting program following their acquisition in 1960. Guy Tesseron rebuilt the estate's reputation through the 1970s and 1980s, and his son Michel continued the modernisation, increasing the Cabernet Sauvignon proportion and renovating the distinctive yellow château. The wine is a robust, typically Saint-Estèphe expression — Cabernet Sauvignon dominant at approximately 55–60%, with Merlot providing mid-palate flesh and Cabernet Franc adding complexity. At $110 average per bottle across 316 lots, Lafon-Rochet sits comfortably in the mid-range of classified Médoc pricing, offering genuine fourth-growth quality at a significant discount to the second and third growths from superior appellations. The second wine, Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet (appearing as Lafon-Roset in older auction listings), accounts for declassified lots and broadens the estate's presence. Vintages from 2009, 2010, and 2015 are most sought-after; the estate's structured style rewards patience of at least 8–12 years and continues to attract buyers looking for value among the Médoc classifieds.