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Our Lafite Rothschild wines |
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| Wine | Vintage | Case size | Price/case | Cases | ||
| Lafite Rothschild | 1996 | 12×75cl | £10,300 | 1 | 100 |   |
| Tasted three times since bottling, the 1996 Lafite-Rothschild is unquestionably this renowned estate’s greatest wine. As I indicated last year, only 38% of the crop was deemed grand enough to be put into the final blend, which is atypically high in Cabernet Sauvignon (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot). This massive wine may be the biggest, largest-scaled Lafite I have ever tasted. It will require many years to come around, so I suspect all of us past the age of fifty might want to give serious consideration as to whether we should be laying away multiple cases of this wine. It is also the first Lafite-Rothschild to be put into a new engraved bottle (designed to prevent fraudulent imitations). The wine exhibits a thick-looking, ruby/purple color, and a knock-out nose of lead pencil, minerals, flowers, and black currant scents. Extremely powerful and full-bodied, with remarkable complexity for such a young wine, this huge Lafite is oozing with extract and richness, yet has managed to preserve its quintessentially elegant personality. This wine is even richer than it was prior to bottling. It should unquestionably last for 40-50 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. The wine of the vintage? | ||||||
| Lafite Rothschild | 1999 | 12×75cl | £7,300 | 1 | 95 | |
| The 1999 Lafite Rothschild sports an engraved "1999" on the bottle along with an eclipse to mark that significant historical event of August, 1999. It is a quintessential offering from Lafite Rothschild. This prodigious wine is both elegant and intensely flavored, and almost diaphanous in its layers that unfold with no heaviness. An opaque ruby/purple color is accompanied by a complex bouquet of lead pencil, graphite, cedar, creme de cassis, toast, and vanilla. It is medium-bodied, with extravagant layers of richness yet little weight, and a finish that is all sweetness, ripeness, and harmony. This extraordinary Lafite increasingly appears to be a modern day clone of the majestic 1953. A mere one-third of the crop made it into the grand vin! Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030. | ||||||
| Lafite Rothschild | 2000 | 12×75cl | £17,900 | 1 | 98 | |
| Since I gave this wine a perfect score, I suppose some could see this as a downgrade. I found everything still there for a perfect rating, but I was just struck by how tight and backward the wine was. A blend of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, the wine still has a dark ruby/purple color and an extraordinarily youthful nose of graphite, black currants, sweet, unsmoked cigar tobacco, and flowers. The wine is rich, medium to full-bodied, but has that ethereal elegance and purity that is always Lafite. I originally predicted that it would first reach maturity in 2011, but I would push that back by 5-7 years now, although it has 50-60 years of life in front of it. Owners of this beauty are probably best advised to forget it for 5 years. Tasted next to a 1996 several days after the 2000 tasting, the 1996, which is a perfect wine, was far closer to full maturity than the 2000. | ||||||
| Lafite Rothschild | 2001 | 12×75cl | £6,750 | 1 | 94 | |
| The 2001 Lafite Rothschild’s deep, saturated plum/purple color is accompanied by lead pencil liqueur-like notes intermixed with sweet red and black currants, plums, and cedar. This blend of 86.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13.5% Merlot is a classic example of Lafite. Extremely elegant, medium-bodied, with intense concentration, richness, and sweet tannin, it appears to be on a rapid evolutionary track, at least in comparison to recent Lafite vintages that have been far more backward and powerful. The classy 2001 should be at its finest between 2007-2020. | ||||||
| Lafite Rothschild | 2002 | 12×75cl | £6,800 | 1 | 94 | |
| A brilliant offering and a candidate for wine of the vintage, this is classic Lafite that reminded me somewhat of the 1976, although the vintage conditions were completely different. This is a medium-weight, quintessentially elegant style of Lafite with notes of lead pencil shavings/graphite along with black currants, plums, and crushed rocks/mineral. Wonderfully pure, dense, with a deep ruby/purple color and loads of fruit, definition, and a long finish, this is a brilliant, elegant Lafite Rothschild that builds incrementally in the mouth and has more power and density than it initially seems. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025. | ||||||
| Lafite Rothschild | 2003 | 12×75cl | £9,250 | 1 | 100 | |
| A modern day version of the 1959 Lafite, the 2003 Lafite Rothschild was bottled in mid-May, 2005 after achieving 12.9% natural alcohol – hardly an astonishing figure given the vintage’s weather conditions. A combination of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, it represents a ripe version of the essence of Lafite-Rothschild. Dense purple-colored, with classic notes of graphite intertwined with melted licorice, creme de cassis, smoke, and flowers, it reveals extraordinary richness, opulence, power, purity, intensity, and viscosity. Whether this wine will close down or not is questionable as it is somewhat atypical given its sweetness and softness. Analytically, there are extremely high tannins, which I suspect will assert themselves in the future. Production in 2003 was less than half of normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050. | ||||||
| Lafite Rothschild | 2004 | 12×75cl | £6,650 | 2 | 95 | |
| his beautiful, stunningly dense purple-colored effort (includes about 90% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up precise notes of graphite, black cherries, cassis, scorched earth, and minerals. Medium to full-bodied with fabulous fruit, impressive richness, refreshing acidity, and sweet tannin, this beauty should be approachable in 4-5 years, and last for three decades. As Lafite Rothschilds go, this is somewhat of a sleeper vintage. Also tasted: 2004 Carruades de Lafite (88) | ||||||
| Lafite Rothschild | 2005 | 6×75cl | £4,400 | 1 | 96 | |
| While the 2005 is another brilliantly classic Lafite Rothschild, for my taste, it comes in slightly behind their extraordinarily opulent 2003 as well as the dramatically powerful 2000. A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot, the 2005 boasts a dark ruby/purple color in addition to that exceptional Lafite perfume of graphite, spring flowers, crushed rocks, and sweet black cherry and black currant fruit that exudes class and nobility. The wine is medium-bodied with extremely high levels of tannin in addition to sensational purity, length, and overall harmony. However, it is exceptionally backward, and even more tannic than either the 1995 or 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2050+ | ||||||
| Lafite Rothschild | 2009 | 6×75cl | £5,150 | 2 | 98-100 | |
| The 2009 Lafite Rothschild is a candidate for “wine of the vintage.”� Although the 2003 was powerful (12.9% alcohol), the 2009 came in at 13.4% alcohol. It is a blend of 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot. Only 45% of the crop went into the grand vin, which may be the most concentrated Lafite I have ever tasted. There is not a hard edge to be found in this inky/purple-colored wine displaying notes of charcoal, incense, black currants, and licorice. In the mouth, it represents a liqueur of black fruits offered in a remarkably full-bodied, incredibly elegant, lush style. Expansive, savory, staggeringly concentrated, and voluptuous as well as wonderfully precise with a hint of minerality, this sensational wine’s technical numbers are off the charts. Is this a replay of the 1959? Although it will be surprisingly approachable in its youth, this is a 50-100-year wine. (Tasted once.) | ||||||
| Lafite RothschildEP | 2010 | 6×75cl | £5,000 | 4 | 98-100 | |
| RP: 98-100 2010 Lafite Rothschild: This exceptionally rich, thick Lafite came in with the highest level of natural alcohol (13.5%) ever achieved at Lafite Rothschild. To put that in its proper context, the 2009 and 2005 were 13.3% and in the hottest Bordeaux summer ever recorded in over 200 years, the 2003 achieved 12.8%. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, all harvested between October 9 and 14, the 2010 exhibits an extraordinarily dense color, an unctuous texture and sweet black currant fruit intermixed with graphite, charcoal and truffle notes. A director Charles Chevalier told me, between July and the October harvest, Bordeaux had its driest weather since 1949, but it never got excessively hot. Hence the tiny berries, freshness and extraordinary precision of Lafite Rothschild. This superb effort will undoubtedly shut down slightly once it is bottled despite a pH of 3.8. It needs no building up because much of Lafite Rothschild has now become an obsession with the wealthy Chinese and most of it will undoubtedly be consumed before it ever hits its prime. Ideally, it should be cellared for 10-15 years and drunk over the following 50+ years. JR: 18.5 Tasted 17 Feb: Very youthful and very Cabernet and pretty spicy. Very correct and with an attractive dryness on the finish. Very snazzy. Tasted 8 Apr: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot. Burnished dark pruney crimson. Very opulent and heady on the nose. Lovely perfume. Lots of fully ripe black fruits. Amazingly polished – so much so that you are almost distracted from the huge tannic charge. Not quite as dense as some of the greatest 2010s but very well balanced. Hugely Cabernet. As in 2009, great care has been taken not to produce too heavy a wine. There is almost Lafite-like structure here. Very, very polished middle palate. Bone dry, pretty tannic finish. Decanter: 20 Fabulous nose of wild violets, wonderful lissom texture backed by aristocratic firmness, a totally captivating wine for the long term. Drink 2020-50. Neil Martin: 95-97 The 2010 is a blend of 87.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12.8% Merlot, cropped between 24th September until 13th October, delivering 13.48% alcohol at pH 3.82. Whereas the 2009 Lafite was an immediate “wow”, this is far more introspective and broody, particular coming directly after Latour. Deep, dusky dark berried fruit, a touch of cedar and pencil box. Good definition but not as expressive or as vigorous as I was expected. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced with fine but structure tannins, masculine in style, understated compared to Latour. I take a little sip (pourquoi pas?) and there is another annexe of dark cherry and a touch of boysenberry. Hints of cedar and spice towards the dry, tannic finish. This is a Lafite that will grow during its élevage. Drink 2020- Tasted March 2011. | ||||||
| Lafite RothschildEP | 2010 | 12×75cl | £10,000 | 2 | 98-100 | |
| RP: 98-100 2010 Lafite Rothschild: This exceptionally rich, thick Lafite came in with the highest level of natural alcohol (13.5%) ever achieved at Lafite Rothschild. To put that in its proper context, the 2009 and 2005 were 13.3% and in the hottest Bordeaux summer ever recorded in over 200 years, the 2003 achieved 12.8%. A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, all harvested between October 9 and 14, the 2010 exhibits an extraordinarily dense color, an unctuous texture and sweet black currant fruit intermixed with graphite, charcoal and truffle notes. A director Charles Chevalier told me, between July and the October harvest, Bordeaux had its driest weather since 1949, but it never got excessively hot. Hence the tiny berries, freshness and extraordinary precision of Lafite Rothschild. This superb effort will undoubtedly shut down slightly once it is bottled despite a pH of 3.8. It needs no building up because much of Lafite Rothschild has now become an obsession with the wealthy Chinese and most of it will undoubtedly be consumed before it ever hits its prime. Ideally, it should be cellared for 10-15 years and drunk over the following 50+ years. JR: 18.5 Tasted 17 Feb: Very youthful and very Cabernet and pretty spicy. Very correct and with an attractive dryness on the finish. Very snazzy. Tasted 8 Apr: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot. Burnished dark pruney crimson. Very opulent and heady on the nose. Lovely perfume. Lots of fully ripe black fruits. Amazingly polished – so much so that you are almost distracted from the huge tannic charge. Not quite as dense as some of the greatest 2010s but very well balanced. Hugely Cabernet. As in 2009, great care has been taken not to produce too heavy a wine. There is almost Lafite-like structure here. Very, very polished middle palate. Bone dry, pretty tannic finish. Decanter: 20 Fabulous nose of wild violets, wonderful lissom texture backed by aristocratic firmness, a totally captivating wine for the long term. Drink 2020-50. Neil Martin: 95-97 The 2010 is a blend of 87.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12.8% Merlot, cropped between 24th September until 13th October, delivering 13.48% alcohol at pH 3.82. Whereas the 2009 Lafite was an immediate “wow”, this is far more introspective and broody, particular coming directly after Latour. Deep, dusky dark berried fruit, a touch of cedar and pencil box. Good definition but not as expressive or as vigorous as I was expected. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced with fine but structure tannins, masculine in style, understated compared to Latour. I take a little sip (pourquoi pas?) and there is another annexe of dark cherry and a touch of boysenberry. Hints of cedar and spice towards the dry, tannic finish. This is a Lafite that will grow during its élevage. Drink 2020- Tasted March 2011. | ||||||
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild
The Lafite estate may have been founded as early as the 14th century, the chateau itself being a manor house built in 16th century followed by the establishment of vineyards in the early 17th century, where records show exports to England soon after. One of the most renowned of all Medoc chateau, and a First Growth from the 1855 classification, Lafite has an extraordinary of proprietorship. The Ségurs, an important family of Bordelaise nobles originally from Pauillac, inherited the estate in 1716 joining it to their then property, Chateau Latour. Through revolution, the trading ascendency of the day, the vagaries of inheritance laws and credit, Lafite, which was subsequently to become Lafite-Rothschild, saw a bevy of owners. First a Ducth consortium, then a Dutch grain merchant, then his wife followed by an English banker. When, in 1868, Baron James de Rothschild, from a different branch of the family to that who had acquired Mouton-Rothschild, succeeded in outbidding fierce interest from a Bordeaux syndicat. That same year Baron James died, however, he succeeded in ensuring the acquisition of the chateau that would remain a part of the family up to the present day, where, the arrival of Charles Chevalier as director general has seen, since 1994, a significant rise in quality and consistency often competing for wine of the vintage.
Vinification and production
Lafite has one of the largest vineyard holdings in Haut-Médoc with 103 ha/255 acres planted to 71 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 per cent Cabernet Franc, 25 per cent Merlot, and 1 per cent Petit Verdot. 45, 000 cases are produced, approximately 33% of which is the second wine Carruades de Lafite. There is significant varitation in volume levels of the Grand Vin according to the vintage, but typically this would compose less than half the total, often less than 20, 000 cases. The remainder is marketed as generic Pauillac.
At Lafite grapes are hand-harvested and fermented by parcels in stainless steel vats prior to ageing barrique. The Grand Vins sees 100% new wood while Carruades de Lafite, itself with a slightly higher Merlot content, spends time in new and one-year-old barrels.
Style
More so than its finesse, more even than its elegant power, Lafite is perhaps most known for its remarkable ability to age, which, in the best vintages can be 50 years and quite often longer. More notable still, is how Lafite ages, ‘in the most ethereal way’ as observed by Serena Sutcliff MW, of Sotheby’s.
A wine of great breed and balance, Lafite is a noble wine with a scented elegance and excellent structure and length. Continuity of style with expression of terroir throughout the vintages is, with its extraordinary capacity to age, is the Lafite hallmark.
Top-rated vintages
| Vintage
| RP
| JR
| Market price £
| £/Parker Points
|
| 2009
| 98-100
| 19
| 13750
| 138.89
|
| 2008
| 98-100
| 17.5+
| 13500
| 136.36
|
| 2006
| 97
| 17
| 8250
| 85.05
|
| 2005
| 96+
| 18
| 12350
| 128.65
|
| 2004
| 95
| 18
| 8300
| 87.37
|
| 2003
| 100
| 17.5
| 13000
| 130.00
|
| 2000
| 98+
| 18.5
| 22500
| 229.59
|
| 1999
| 95
| 18
| 8700
| 91.58
|
| 1998
| 98
| 16.5
| 9250
| 94.39
|
| 1996
| 100
| 18.5
| 13500
| 135.00
|
Prices as per May 2011
Market
Liv-ex Power 100 ranking
| 2010
| Total score
| 2009
| Move
|
| 1
| 15
| 1
| 0
|
Liv-ex Power 100 is a list of the top performers over the previous year and their position starting the current year. The indice traces the movement of chateau and other wines using a sophisticated weighting system based on average prices, production, notional availability and Parker Points.
| Release price evolution | ||
| Vintage
| Ex-negociant €
| London release price £
|
| 2009
| 550
| 11400
|
| 2008
| 130
| 1590
|
| 2007
| 240
| 2500
|
| 2006
| 325
| 3200
|
| 2005
| 360
| 3750
|
Lafite Rothschild at a glance
Commune: Pauillac
Soils: Free draining gravel bed with limestone deposits
Climate: Maritime
District: Medoc
Classification: 1er Cru Classe
Owner: Baron Eric de Rothschild
Wine-maker: Charles Chevalier
Vineyard: 103ha
/ 255
acres. 71% Cabernet Sauvignon vines, 25 % Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.
Vinification and ageing (grand vin): Fermentation in stainless steel vats followed by new oak barriques for Lafite, with new and 1 year old for Carruades
Production: 45,000 cases
Wines: Lafite Rothschild, Carruades de Lafite and (generic) Pauillac
