Chateau Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, 2009

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Muted black cherry nose, solid but not very nuanced or expressive fruit now. Supple though quite tannic, reasonably concentrated, grainy and chocolatey, with a hint of coarseness. It lacks some acidity and zest, and has an earthy finish. Quite good length. Sound but uninspiring.

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Quite opulent nose of ripe plummy fruit, albeit not very complex. Juicy, sweet attack but a slight lack of concentration. Tannins a bit gripping and the fruit not quite absorbing them at this stage. Should improve with age but not very long and it needs to put on weight to combat the slightly aggressive tannic presence.

Tasting: Medoc crus classes 2009

Quite dense, slightly leathery fruit, slightly spicy elegance on the nose. Restrained and still a bit grippy, but has lifted fruit, good tannins and good length. Elegance and class will show as it matures.