Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. The best showing of the Lafon Rochet ’06 so far! It has an open nose that is well defined, but unashamedly earthy and austere with aromas of pencil shavings, leather and a touch of white pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with sharp acidity, a decent backbone here, structured, blackberry laced with black pepper with a salty tang towards the finish. Moderate length and a lively, tactile, “umami” aftertaste.

The 2006 Lafon-Rochet has an intense bouquet with raspberry, wild strawberry and rose petal aromas, very focused and refined with good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with a balsamic-tinged entry. There's fine depth with tarry black fruit. It's stocky towards the finish. Give this another year in bottle. Tasted at the Lafon-Rochet vertical at the property. -- Neal Martin

Earthy autumnal vegetative notes intermixed with sweet cola black cherry and black currant are present in this dense purple-colored wine. Firm tannins are present but the wine has excellent fruit depth and texture. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022.