This is a wine that has great potential—you can tell from the firm tannins, tight acidity and closed texture. Initially, black currant flavors are touched with dark, dusty notes, but they finish with more juicy character on the afterntaste. Drink from 2017.

The 2011 Lafon-Rochet has a rather straightlaced but well defined bouquet demonstrating good fruit concentration for the growing season, brown spices infusing the mainly red fruit, melted tar and sage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, quite fleshy and fresh, gentle grip with a lightly spiced but quite persistent finish. This is perfect to drink now. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. -- Neal Martin

This has a chunky feel, with charcoal and cassis bush notes out front, followed by plum skin, steeped black currant and blackberry coulis flavors. A charcoal hint strides back in on the finish, with fresh acidity buried throughout. Should age well. Best from 2015 through 2021. – JM