Château Lafon-Rochet
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Château Lafon-Rochet, a Quatrième Cru Classé in Saint-Estèphe, is owned by Vignobles Cruse-Lorenzetti. The estate is certified organic and HVE. Its 50-hectare vineyard produces wines made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon.
Identity
Château Lafon-Rochet is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Saint-Estèphe, in the Gironde. It is owned by Vignobles Cruse-Lorenzetti. Félix Pariente-Lorenzetti serves as President, with Vincent Bache-Gabrielsen as Managing Director. The cellar master is Frédéric Renaut, and the consulting oenologist is Eric Boissenot.
History and philosophy
The estate's origins date back to 1557 with the creation of Domaine de Rochet. The acquisition of a plot named Rochette—distinguished by its stony soil—by Étienne de Lafon through marriage led to the property being renamed Château Lafon-Rochet around 1790. In 1855, Château Lafon-Rochet was designated a Quatrième Cru Classé. The estate has seen several owners, including the Audon family from 1897 to 1924, and the Tesseron family from 1960 to 2021, with Guy Tesseron taking the reins in 1961. In 2021, the Lorenzetti family acquired the property, and Félix Pariente-Lorenzetti took over the presidency in 2025. The estate is certified organic (Agriculture Biologique) and holds HVE certification.
The appellations
The plots of Château Lafon-Rochet are situated within the Saint-Estèphe appellation, in the Médoc.
Practical information
Château Lafon-Rochet is located at Blanquet Ouest, 33180 Saint-Estèphe. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 56 59 32 06 or by email at lafon@lafon-rochet.com. Visits are available by appointment from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Direct sales at the estate and mail orders are available. On-site catering/dining services are also offered.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary appellation of Château Lafon-Rochet?
- Château Lafon-Rochet is located in the commune of Saint-Estèphe, and the primary appellation of its wines is Saint-Estèphe. This appellation is renowned for its characterful red wines, produced mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The estate fully embraces this winemaking tradition, contributing to the esteemed reputation of this Médoc region.
- Who are the current owners of Château Lafon-Rochet and what is its history?
- Château Lafon-Rochet belongs to Vignobles Cruse-Lorenzetti, following the Lorenzetti family's acquisition of the estate in 2021. Its rich history dates back to 1557 with the establishment of Domaine de Rochet. The current name, Château Lafon-Rochet, emerged around 1790. Classified as a Quatrième Cru in 1855, the property has known several custodians, including the Tesseron family from 1960 to 2021, prior to its purchase by the Lorenzetti family.
- What are the characteristics of the Château Lafon-Rochet vineyard?
- The Château Lafon-Rochet vineyard extends over 50 hectares and is distinguished by soils composed of deep gravel and clay-gravel over a limestone bedrock. The grape variety plantings are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) and Merlot (30%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (4%) and Petit Verdot (1%). The average vine age is 46 years, with some plots over 80 years old, and all harvesting is carried out by hand.
- Does Château Lafon-Rochet hold any environmental certifications?
- Yes, Château Lafon-Rochet is committed to environmentally responsible viticulture, as evidenced by its certifications. The estate is certified organic (Agriculture Biologique), confirming cultivation practices that respect the ecosystem. In addition, it holds HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale) certification, recognising the property's dedication to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity preservation.
The vineyard (terroir)
The vineyard covers a planted area of 50 hectares within an estate spanning 120 hectares in total. The soils consist of deep gravel and clay-gravel resting on a limestone bedrock. The average vine age is 46 years, with certain plots exceeding 80 years. Harvesting is carried out entirely by hand. The grape varieties planted are 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot.
Flagship cuvées
The estate's Grand Vin is Château Lafon-Rochet, a red wine quintessential of its appellation. The second wine of the estate is Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet, crafted primarily from clay-gravel parcels.
Vinification and ageing
The wines are aged for a period of 14 to 18 months. Ageing takes place in a combination of new oak barrels (15%), one- and two-wine barrels (35%), large oak casks/foudres (40%), and concrete vats (10%).
- Appellation
- Saint-Estèphe
- Commune
- Saint-Estèphe
- Wine region
- Médoc
- Classification
- 4e Cru Classé 1855
- Owner
- Vignobles Cruse-Lorenzetti
- Technical direction
- Frédéric Renaut
- Surface area
- 50 ha
- Second wine
- Les Pèlerins de Lafon-Rochet
- Certifications
- Bio, HVE
- Grape varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 1%
Practical information
- Address
- Blanquet Ouest, Château Lafon-Rochet, 33180 SAINT-ESTÈPHE
- Phone
- 05 56 59 32 06
- Contact form
- Contact the estate
- Visits
- De Bordeaux à Saint-Estèphe, jusqu’à l’embouchure de la Gironde, la route départementale D2 serpente au cœur des Grands Crus Classés du Médoc.