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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 95.1 pts. and median of 95 pts. in 39 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by Hazeo on 1/14/2024 & rated 96 points: Abundant red fruit and possibly the ripest 08 I’ve tasted but without being overdone. Regal and exquisitely smooth texture, a definite class act. Dark chocolate, plum with plenty of earthy minerals. Just a gorgeous wine even if the nose is a bit reticent. (1252 views) | | | Tasted by Psdycp on 1/6/2024 & rated 94 points: The bouquet is filled with gentle black and blue fruits, hints of minty chocolate and smoked spices. Rich and polished palate. Almost full-bodied with layers of fruits, wood and leather. Velvety tannins complete the clean and extended finish. Letting this age for another 3 years will develop better harmony. (1003 views) | | | Tasted by Andrew S-L on 12/3/2023 & rated 94 points: An elegant, dark, paradoxically approachable yet slightly diffident wine, drunk at a 5-person lunch from magnum (alongside a 2003 Leoville Barton). It’s not like I drink first growth Bordeaux regularly so I didn’t have much of a reference point but despite its obvious class and balance the Lafite didn’t strike me as a truly profound, pinnacle wine, at least not yet. I was surprised by 1) how fine the tannins were at this stage and 2) its fullness of body considering the modest abv. Selfishly I am pleased that the person who hosted the lunch brought it along but, relative approachability aside, I think this wine deserves to be left to develop. My 94 points reflects my enjoyment on the day rather than any true skill in assessing how a high-end Bordeaux may develop over the next decade (skills I won’t pretend to have!). However, I like to think this wine is only just beginning a journey that will result in it delivering something more memorable in the future. (Incidentally the table thought that in no way was the ‘03 Leoville Barton overshadowed by this, its more illustrious cousin. The LB may be less beguiling and less sophisticated than the Lafite but it made up for it by being in a truly great spot in terms of its evolution and, therefore, being no less enjoyable. On the day I’d say the wines were on a par in terms of enjoyment). (871 views) | | | Tasted by alcw62 on 10/19/2023: Had it with super chicken! Very smooth delicious raspberry taste…opened very well in 30 wines (1262 views) | | | Tasted by Sean Tay on 6/11/2023: The wine looks purple colored. It smells like blackberry, blueberry, black currant (cassis), toast, coffee, oak, vanilla, lead pencil, black pepper and violet. (1944 views) | | | Tasted by acheng on 5/28/2022 & rated 91 points: Double decanted for 4 hours. Primary. Lead pencil and black fruit. Needs time. (4045 views) | | | Tasted by Bjb81 on 5/16/2022 & rated 97 points: Masterpiece. Evolved nicely over a 4 hour period. (3536 views) | | | Tasted by cab blends on 5/6/2022 & rated 95 points: NOT blind
Powerful tannins (8/10) with oaky bark. A dusty and earthy wine on the nose an initial palate. (3589 views) | | | Tasted by esw423 on 3/20/2022 & rated 100 points: Wine Bar George in Disney Springs. Earthy/ mushroom notes were primary. Stewed red fruit and silky tannins. (3636 views) | | | Tasted by DrZett on 8/24/2021 & rated 96 points: Amazing dense structure. Just soft aging notes. A lot of fruit power left. It had a for my palate beautiful soft brett which vanished after a few minutes in the decanter. Great complexity. Already in a great drinking spot in my opinion, but no need to hurry. (IG) (4443 views) | | | Tasted by RunarN on 5/9/2021 & rated 95 points: Great wine - silky smooth with soft tannins (3105 views) | | | Tasted by LB88 on 9/9/2019 & rated 92 points: A very young wine and needs a lot more time in the bottle (4987 views) | | | Tasted by steinersing on 9/9/2019 & rated 94 points: solid wine - quite young without too much typicity yet of more aged Lafite (6007 views) | | | Tasted by pavel_p on 3/24/2019 & rated 94 points: DFS annual event (Singapore): Very elegant and nicely balanced. A touch of oak, dark fruit, much rounder than the 2010 Carruades but also with the right structure supporting, some pencil lead. This also needed more than the 1h decant the wine was given initially, a second small glass about 30 min later was showing already much better. (6405 views) | | | Tasted by Sean Tay on 12/1/2018: The wine looks purple colored. It smells like blackberry, blueberry, black currant (cassis), toast, coffee, oak, vanilla, lead pencil, black pepper and violet. (758 views) | | | Tasted by Alexander Smith on 10/19/2018 & rated 94 points: New York Wine Experience 2018 (New York Marriott Marquis): Some wines you never forget, this is one of them. tobacco, cigar box, pencil lead, blackberry and plum as secondary. This is classic Lafite and even though this might not be the best years, is really a special wine to experience. (6648 views) | | | Tasted by MC2 Wines on 10/18/2018: Wine Spectator newbies; 10/18/2018-10/20/2018 (Marriott Marquis): Interesting. I've never quite found myself liking the L first growths (Lafite, Latour) as much as the others. Could have been that the youth on this was more pronounced. It was very very tight. Just a hint of black fruit. Lots of tannins. And just didn't give up much of anything. Perhaps revisit in some more years. (6311 views) | | | Tasted by Jeff Leve on 9/17/2018 & rated 97 points: Elegant, refined, pure, focused, vibrant, fresh and classic in its nature, it is easy to discern the cedar, tobacco leaf, lead pencil cassis and blackberry nuances, with just a little effort. On the palate, the wine offers refinement and purity, with a silky, yet energetic, bright edge. Give this 12-15 more years to develop. The wine was made from blending 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. (4702 views) | | | Tasted by jarjarbinx99 on 6/10/2017 & rated 94 points: Prochaine pas avant 2025 !!! (7125 views) | | | Tasted by BradE on 12/12/2016: Lafite Vertical: One younger vintage was included in the tasting. The 08 was terrific, if infanticide. This will likely be a star with age. (7567 views) | | | Tasted by Jeff Leve on 9/16/2016 & rated 96 points: I know, baby killer, right? Well, it wasn't my bottle, and I can promise you, I was happy to taste it. Elegant, fresh, polished and right between medium/full bodied, there is a brightness to the cassis that stands out, especially on the palate. Aromatically, tobacco, cigar box, cassis, blackberry and earthy scents abound. This is a very aromatic wine. On the palate, the wine is light on its feet, bright and fresh. There is clearly good length, but it lacks the levels of density found in subsequent vintages like 2009 and 2010. The wine was made from a blend of representing 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Only 40% of the harvest was placed in the Grand Vin.
As far as the market goes, it is hard not to recall that the wine was initially offered at $200 per bottle. Due in part to placing the symbol for 8 in Chinese on the bottle, prices shot up to $1,600 per bottle. Today, 2008 Lafite can purchased for about $650 per bottle. A big jump from $200, but a longer fall from its $1,600 peak. (7707 views) | | | Tasted by Barry Rothof on 5/15/2016 & rated 94 points: | Selosse | DP | Ramonet | Tremblay | Lafite | Dagueneau | ..,: Offering full aromas of black fruits and tobacco. On the palate, impressive tannic structure with earth, cedar and intense black fruits, needs time to develop greater complexity. (7856 views) | | | Tasted by Burgaddict on 5/13/2016: Leiden Dinner May 2016: Third time I drink this wine. Again impressive. Lovely nose with cola tones. Concentrated body with dark fruit, spices and round tannins. Elegant, drinks lovely. (7419 views) | | | Tasted by Collector1855 on 3/15/2016 & rated 95 points: Chateau Lafite Rothschild - 20 year vertical blind tasting (Fribourg): Tasted blind. Dark ruby. Nose of dark fruit, pine, cherry. Very dark and ripe. Enters the palate well structure and young. This is dense and tannic, a touch dry on the finish. Solid Lafite but not among the best. Group rank # 12/20. Readiness: Wait. (8248 views) | | | Tasted by Barry Rothof on 1/5/2016 & rated 95 points: Restaurant Fitzgerald (Rotterdam, Netherlands): Offering full rich aromas of black fruits and tobacco. On the palate, impressive structure with earth, cedar and black fruits. Stunningly concentrated and complex! This wine should last 50 years or more !? (5424 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Jane Anson
Decanter, Bordeaux first growths: 2008 vintage tasting (2/9/2021)
(Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jeb Dunnuck
JebDunnuck.com, 2008 Bordeaux - Now at age 10 (2/28/2019)
(Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Red) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Neal Martin
Vinous, A Century of Bordeaux: The Eights (May 2018) (5/18/2018)
(Lafite-rothschild Lafite-rothschild Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (3/2/2018)
(Ch Lafite Pauillac Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Neal Martin
Vinous, 2008 Bordeaux: A Day In A Life (Feb 2018) (2/18/2018)
(Lafite-rothschild Lafite-rothschild Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Richard Hemming, MW
JancisRobinson.com (2/1/2018)
(Ch Lafite Pauillac Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Chris Kissack
Winedoctor, February 2018 (2/1/2018)
(Château Lafite-Rothschild Pauillac Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jane Anson
Decanter, 2008 Bordeaux 10 Years on (1/1/2018)
(Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jane Anson
Decanter, Keystone Reviews Migration 1 (12/5/2016)
(Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, Red) Subscribe to see review text. | The World of Fine Wine, December 2012, Issue #38
(Château Lafite Rothschild 1er Cru) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Chris Kissack
Winedoctor, November 2012 (11/1/2012)
(Château Lafite-Rothschild Pauillac Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (1/19/2012)
(Ch Lafite Pauillac Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By John Kapon
Vintage Tastings, '24' in Bordeaux (1/31/2010)
(Lafite Rothschild) Login and sign up and see review text. | The World of Fine Wine, June 2009, Issue #24
(Château Lafite 1er Cru) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Jancis Robinson, MW
JancisRobinson.com (5/4/2009)
(Ch Lafite Pauillac Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Ian D'Agata
Vinous, May/June 2009, IWC Issue #144
(Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac) Subscribe to see review text. | By Chris Kissack
Winedoctor, April 2009
(Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Pauillac) Subscribe to see review text. |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Decanter and JebDunnuck.com and Vinous and JancisRobinson.com and Winedoctor and The World of Fine Wine and Vintage Tastings. (manage subscription channels) |
| Château Lafite Rothschild Producer website – Read more about Chateau Lafite Rothschild
Vineyards map on weinlagen-infoRed Bordeaux BlendRed Bordeaux is generally made from a blend of grapes. Permitted grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and rarely Carménère.Today Carménère is rarely used, with Château Clerc Milon, a fifth growth Bordeaux, being one of the few to still retain Carménère vines. As of July 2019, Bordeaux wineries authorized the use of four new red grapes to combat temperature increases in Bordeaux. These newly approved grapes are Marselan, Touriga Nacional, Castets, and Arinarnoa.
Wineries all over the world aspire to making wines in a Bordeaux style. In 1988, a group of American vintners formed The Meritage Association to identify wines made in this way. Although most Meritage wines come from California, there are members of the Meritage Association in 18 states and five other countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Israel, and Mexico.France Vins de France (Office National Interprofessionnel des Vins ) | Pages Vins, Directory of French Winegrowers | French Wine (Wikipedia)
Wine Scholar Guild vintage ratings
2018 vintage: "marked by a wet spring, a superb summer and a good harvest"
2019 vintage reports
2021: "From a general standpoint, whether for white, rosé or red wines, 2021 is a year marked by quality in the Rhône Valley Vineyards. Structured, elegant, fresh and fruity will be the main keywords for this new vintage."
2022 harvest: idealwine.info | wine-searcher.comBordeaux Bordeaux Wine Guide
Vins Bordeaux (Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux)
History of Bordeaux
History of 1855 Bordeaux Classification
"2009 is all about ripeness, with wines impressively packed with ripe fruit and high alcohol levels. They are showy, in-your-face, and full of pleasure. The 2010s have the fruit and alcohol levels of the 2009s, but with a compelling freshness on the finish that balances the fruit and provides a perfect sense of structure." - Ben Nelson
"2016 is a landmark vintage in certain spots of Bordeaux and it should be remembered as one of the most inspired campaigns of the last 40-50+ years." -Jon Rimmerman
"The quality of red Bordeaux in 2016 was universally lauded – although the response to the en primeur campaign was muted. Quantity was high too, with the equivalent of 770 million bottles of wine produced. An exceptionally dry summer with cool nights eventually, thanks to mid September rain, resulted in small, thick-skinned, ripe grapes, and the wines are marked by high tannin and acidity, with superb aromatic fragrance." - Jancis Robinson
"2017 was complicated, but there are some excellent wines. Expect plenty of freshness and drinkability from wines that will offer excellent value, and others that will rival 2016 in terms of ripeness and ageability. But they are likely to be the exception not the rule, making careful selection key." - Jane Anson
"In the past, a vintage such as 2022 may have been overripe, raisined and low in acidity but 2022 had a sneaky little reservoir in its back pocket - a near perfect marriage of cool/cold/rain the previous winter and the previous vintage that literally soaked the soils (a key to why 2022 is not 2003...or 1893)." - Jon RimmermanMédoc Vins du Médoc (Conseil des Vins du Médoc) - Read More about the Medoc
VdB
The eight precisely defined appellations of the whole of the Médoc (from Blanquefort Brook to the north of the Bordeaux built-up area, almost to the Pointe de Grave) may claim the Médoc appellation. But there is also a specific territory in the north of the peninsula which produces exclusively wines with this appellation. In the great majority, the Médocs come from the north of the peninsula. The great individuality of this region is that the number of vines has increased more recently here than elsewhere, apart from a few isolated spots where vines have grown for many years. Today, the size of the small estate has brought about the development of a powerful co-operative movement. Four co-operatives out of five belong to the group called Unimédoc which ensures aging, bottling and marketing a large proportion of their wines.Pauillac Read more detailed information about Pauillac Looking full onto the river from the earliest days, with an important port activity, traces of which go back to ancient times (shipment of bronze as long ago as 2000 B.C.), Pauillac's life has always been intimately linked to the history of wine. Although port activities were at the root of its prosperity, Pauillac had to wait until the eighteenth century when Bordeaux ceased to hold its privileged position to become a wine port. The town then became the natural outlet for the wine production of neighbouring cantons before reaching its zenith in a period when the vineyards were exceptionally prosperous.
The characteristic of the Pauillac terroir is its exceptional relief: the many undulating ridges make it unique morphologically speaking. Highly favourable conditions facilitate the dissection of the layer of gravel. This thin, Garonne gravel from whose very poverty springs great richness, has an extremely effective natural drainage.
With their velvet red colour with a hint of amber, the wines from the Pauillac appellation, full-bodied and rich in tannin, are vigorous. Powerful when young, their aromas of red fruits (black-currant, raspberry) or flowers (violets, roses, irises) melt with the passing of time into a bouquet which is long in the mouth.
Rich and complex, the wines of Pauillac deserve to be laid down for a little longer.
Production conditions (Decree dated November 14, 1936)
In order to have the right to the Pauillac appellation of controlled origin, red wines must:
- come from the commune of Pauillac and from precisely defined parcels in the communes of Cissac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Sauveur, "excluding the parcels situated on recent alluvium and sand on impermeable subsoils",
- satisfy precise production conditions : grape-varieties (Cabernet-Sauvignon, Cabernet-Franc, Carmenère, Merlot Noir, Petit Verdot, Cot or Malbec), minimum of sugar (178 grammes - 6.27 oz. - per litre of must) degree (an acquired 10°5) base yield (45 hectolitres per hectare). |
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