Chateau Lafon-Rochet 1997

This ancient estate can trace its origins back to the early 16th century, at which time "Rochet" belonged to the vast Vallée Roussillon feudal estate. Chateau Lafon-Rochet stayed in the Lafon family for two years, despite the upheaval of the French Revolution. They were also owners in 1855, when their wine received the ultimate recognition as a great growth, along with only four others in the Saint-Estèphe appellation.

The chateau is in a choice location, in one of the most prestigious winegrowing areas in the world – between Cos d'Estoumel and Lafite-Rothschild (to the south). It is thus hardly surprising that Guy Tesseron, famous for the quality of his old Cognac, was attracted to Lafon-Rochet some 40 years ago.

After acquiring the estate, he decided that the existing cellar was unworthy of such a fine wine, and had it razed. He built an entirely new one and, in a highly unusual move, built a new chateau as well, in the style of the 17th century chartreuse manor house. Thanks to the great care and attention lavished on Lafon-Rochet, it has become one of the standard bearers of the great wines of Saint-Estèphe in France and around the world.