96 Lafon Rochet [St Estephe] Purchased at release, double decanted (needed as it was well sedimented) and served over two days at cool temperatures. Dark ruby/purplish hue, no bricking at the edges despite the age. Complex bouquet - cedar, coffee, forest. Great palate showing lots of grip, but balanced with black fruit and acidity. 13% abv on the label but feels full bodied. It’s an earthy food wine, especially given the tannin, which have mellowed compared to its youth, but are still muscular. This is a nice enough wine that it deserves the good stems, a proper decanter, and a few hours to aerate; it’s a Saturday night wine even if one has a deep cellar. My instinct is that this will stay at this level for another decade easy. I liked it better on the first day, but that’s likely only because it was at optimal temperatures. Just a tremendous example of why patience with Bordeaux is rewarded. This gets a solid A. If one thinks the quality at this estate will drive its price upwards, older vintages may be worth looking for.
Only had it once and agree it is a winner.