The 2010 Lafon-Rochet is noticeably deep in color. It has a vivacious and sophisticated bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, wild hedgerow and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with powerful black fruit mixed with black pepper, clove and sage, developing more depth and grip towards the finish with superb persistence and structure. Impressive.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Lafon-Rochet comes bounding out of the glass with sit-up-and-beg notes of crème de cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry preserves followed by suggestions of Chinese five spice, potpourri and tilled soil. Full-bodied and concentrated, with loads of black and blue fruit layers, it has a rock-solid backbone of grainy tannins and compelling freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

With the release of this hugely tannic wine, this serious chateau—under the direction of the Tesseron family, which also owns Chateau Pontet-Canet—continues its recent upward progress. The structure currently hides opulent fruit that holds great promise for the future. With both power and richness, there's a long life ahead.

Features a dark currant and blackberry coulis core, surrounded by charcoal, singed savory and light coffee notes. The solid, firm, taut finish should let this linger in the cellar for a decade. Best from 2014 through 2024.