Château Lafon-Rochet 2022

Resilience

The winter of 2022 was mild and dry, leading to an early bud break. The spring started with a spell of frost, which, despite causing initial concern for teams across the region, imparted little damage on the vines. The rest of the spring was mild and humid, with no disease pressure. Dry and warm conditions prevailed throughout flowering, which took place quickly and evenly across our Merlots and Cabernets. The vigorous nature of the vines, due to the rich nutrients in the soil, resulted in a natural reduction of fruit set, initiating the prospect of a top-quality harvest.
Thanks to the significant water reserves imparted across a large portion of our vineyards in 2021, the vines showed resilience during the dry and hot summer of 2022, remaining nourished with green foliage until mid-October.

2022 : Precision and timeliness

The fi rst grapes were picked on 12th September – placing this harvest among the earliest ever recorded at Lafon- Rochet. The Merlots were picked first over five days, the Cabernets Sauvignons and Francs were harvested between 17th and 27th September, while the Petits Verdots were picked on 20th September.
Vinification took place over three weeks without any complications, and despite the hot temperatures outside, we were able to successfully regulate conditions in the cellar. The quality of the grapes allowed us to proceed with soft and long extractions until run-off.
The first samples tasted illustrate significant colour, depth of fruit, and concentration. If smoothness and unctuousness are the markers of the 2022 vintage, a surprising freshness completes the panel.

Une nouvelle ère

The Château Lafon-Rochet team executed the fi nal blending on 16th February alongside Eric Boissenot.
A new chapter is being written with the 2022 vintage – the first produced entirely under the ownership of the Lorenzetti family – while early indications of substantial ageing potential, due to its complexity and balance, lends itself to future commemoration.