Lafite Rothschild
About Château Lafite Rothschild
Château Lafite-Rothschild is one of the most collectable wines in the world. Purchased in 1868 it has remained continuously in the Rothschild family. Less powerful than Latour and more classical than Mouton, the hallmarks of this wine of wines is a taut, lithe, willowy muscularity, enveloped by transcendent just-ripe black fruit with the perfect sweetness of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum. The scent of Lafite often beguiles its fortunate drinkers and the mythical, irresistible perfume of wonderful cedar, so fresh and elegant, must be experienced to be believed.
Part of Lafite’s centuries-long success lies in its situation on some of the most gravel-dominant terroir in the Médoc. Up to ten metres deep with the stuff in some places, there are a few pockets of aeolian black sand and bedrock of limestone to complete the soils. Naturally conducive to the production of the most unbelievable Cabernet Sauvignon, the Grand Vin of Château Lafite Rothschild is frequently composed of up to 90% of the varietal. Couple this with the outstandingly talented team, headed for 40 years by the imperious Charles Chevallier (until 2018), and we have an estate whose strength lies in its being “a spectrum of flavours rather than a strong expression of any particular one” in the words of Chevallier’s replacement, Eric Kohler.
The 1996 vintage onwards heralded some of the best wines in their history; 2003 and 2009 are notably outstanding. Elegant, fresh, with great fruit purity and remarkable ageing potential. The second wine, Carruades de Lafite, has also been intensely collected over the past decade.
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
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|
Bordeaux | 13 | - |
Inc. VAT
£489.60 |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 84-86 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£2,917.27 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (84-86)Of the 64% of Lafite-Rothschild's harvest eliminated from the grand vin, only 40% made it into Lafite's second wine, Carruades de Lafite. It displays a character similar to Lafite's in its elegance and finesse, as well as fine ripeness, and tasty, curranty fruit wrapped in a medium-bodied, supple framework. A noteworthy introduction to Lafite-Rothschild's elegant style, it should drink well for 5-6 years. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. VAT
£4,144.87 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)Good bright red-ruby. Dark aromas of cassis, blueberry, licorice, violet, mint and bitter chocolate, along with a faint note of candied berries. Tightly wound and quite juicy, with a strong mineral spine giving it a rather linear, lean impression. But classy and not at all hard, with lovely underlying fruit. Finishes firmly tannic and fresh. Not fat, but subtle and stylish. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. VAT
£3,523.27 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)Bright medium ruby. Aromas of currant, blueberry, violet and licorice. Bright and focused, with modest flesh but lovely dark fruit flavors and grip. Lively acids extend the finish. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 87 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. VAT
£3,516.07 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87)Dark ruby-red. Withdrawn aromas of currant and herbs. Dry and quite closed, with limited sweetness. Flavors of plum, leather and currant leaf show only modest ripeness. Firm acids give this wine a slight sour edge. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 87 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. VAT
£481.20 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87)Dark ruby-red. Withdrawn aromas of currant and herbs. Dry and quite closed, with limited sweetness. Flavors of plum, leather and currant leaf show only modest ripeness. Firm acids give this wine a slight sour edge. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£3,758.40 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (91)There are 20,000 cases of the gorgeous 2003 Carruades de Lafite. Despite record heat in June, July and August, this wine only hit 12.8% alcohol, which seems modest compared to the higher alcohol levels of 2009 and 2010. A final blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a second wine with a Lafite Rothschild-like character, plenty of creme de cassis, cedarwood and graphite notes as well as a supple, lush texture. It has reached full maturity where it should remain for another 5-10 years. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£306.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (91)There are 20,000 cases of the gorgeous 2003 Carruades de Lafite. Despite record heat in June, July and August, this wine only hit 12.8% alcohol, which seems modest compared to the higher alcohol levels of 2009 and 2010. A final blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a second wine with a Lafite Rothschild-like character, plenty of creme de cassis, cedarwood and graphite notes as well as a supple, lush texture. It has reached full maturity where it should remain for another 5-10 years. |
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|
Bordeaux | 2 | 91 (WE) |
Inc. VAT
£3,931.27 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (91)Though this is the second wine for Lafite-Rothschild, it is a major wine in its own right, with its dense, powered fruit and a structure obviously built to last. There is sweet, rich fruit and lively vibrant acidity. Imported by Domaines Barons de Rothschild and multiple U.S. importers. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£4,027.20 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)Currants and blackberries on the nose. Spicy and intense undertones. Full body, with juicy fruit and a soft, very silky texture and a long, long finish. Polished and very pretty. Best Carruades ever. Try in 2018. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£4,848.07 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)This smells like a bouquet of flowers with blueberries and currants and spices. Full body, yet agile and refined. So fine and pretty. It's balanced and in harmony. Savory. A smoky, decadent and meat undertone. |
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|
Bordeaux | 2 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£573.20 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)This smells like a bouquet of flowers with blueberries and currants and spices. Full body, yet agile and refined. So fine and pretty. It's balanced and in harmony. Savory. A smoky, decadent and meat undertone. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 87-89 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£4,734.07 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (87-89)The 2011 Carruades de Lafite is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Soft berry fruit, underbrush, fresh herb and bay leaf characteristics as well as soft tannins, a velvety texture, and a medium-bodied, slightly superficial, but satisfying style suggest this 2011 should be consumed over the next 10-15 years. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£4,734.07 |
|||||
James Suckling (92)Pretty density and flavor for Carruades in this less than perfect year. Shows tobacco, cream and chocolate aromas and flavors with black currants. Full to medium body, fresh finish. Drink now or hold. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92-93 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£4,734.07 |
|||||
James Suckling (92-93)A silky and fine second wine of Lafite with blueberry, blackberry and flower aromas and flavors. Cedar and nuts too. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92-93 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£470.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (92-93)A silky and fine second wine of Lafite with blueberry, blackberry and flower aromas and flavors. Cedar and nuts too. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96-97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£288.20 |
|||||
James Suckling (96-97)This is very classically structured with a palate that starts off slowly. Full-bodied and chewy with a soft, creamy texture and a long finish. Savory. A touch austere. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 3% cabernet franc, the rest petit verdot. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£11,072.47 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (97)The great first-growth estate produced a wine with amazing length in this new vintage. Goes on and on, with mint, plum and cassis aromas and flavors and ultrafine tannins. A superb Bordeaux. Best after 1999. 25,000 cases made. |
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|
Bordeaux | 6 | - |
Inc. VAT
£1,354.80 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£3,719.60 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£966.00 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 86-88 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,098.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (86-88)The 1957, while not great, is nevertheless surprisingly good (twice I have rated it in the 86-88 range). |
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|
Bordeaux | 2 | 70 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,098.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (70)(Magnum) |
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|
Bordeaux | 3 | 80 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£937.20 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (80)Given the overblown praise for the 1961, 1966, and 1970 Lafites, it seems as though the 1964, a wine obviously made after the rains, is a wine that has taken more criticism than it deserves. Not that it is sublime or profound, but it has consistently shown a chunky, fruity character, and a whiff of some of Lafite's fabulous bouquet. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 7/82. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 84 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£12,144.58 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (84)Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage. |
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|
Bordeaux | 1 | 72 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£768.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (72)This is a vintage in which Lafite could certainly have done better. Light ruby with browning very much in evidence, this wine in the mid-1970s had a fragrant, spicy, charming bouquet, easygoing, simple fruity flavors, and light tannins. Now it is quite tired with old, faded, fruit flavors. Drink up! Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in serious decline. Last tasted, 12/80. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£849.60 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 11 | 93 (VT) |
Inc. VAT
£798.00 |
|||||
Vintage Tastings (93)The Lafite had a bit of volatile acidity to it, but some nice pencil, cedar and roasted fruit behind it. It was tender and slightly rich in the mouth, with a leathery finish. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£937.20 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£740.00 |
|||||
Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bordeaux | 13 | - |
Inc. VAT
£489.60 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 84-86 (WA) |
In Bond
£2,399.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (84-86)Of the 64% of Lafite-Rothschild's harvest eliminated from the grand vin, only 40% made it into Lafite's second wine, Carruades de Lafite. It displays a character similar to Lafite's in its elegance and finesse, as well as fine ripeness, and tasty, curranty fruit wrapped in a medium-bodied, supple framework. A noteworthy introduction to Lafite-Rothschild's elegant style, it should drink well for 5-6 years. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 90 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
£3,422.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (90)Good bright red-ruby. Dark aromas of cassis, blueberry, licorice, violet, mint and bitter chocolate, along with a faint note of candied berries. Tightly wound and quite juicy, with a strong mineral spine giving it a rather linear, lean impression. But classy and not at all hard, with lovely underlying fruit. Finishes firmly tannic and fresh. Not fat, but subtle and stylish. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 89 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
£2,904.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89)Bright medium ruby. Aromas of currant, blueberry, violet and licorice. Bright and focused, with modest flesh but lovely dark fruit flavors and grip. Lively acids extend the finish. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 87 (VN (ST)) |
In Bond
£2,898.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87)Dark ruby-red. Withdrawn aromas of currant and herbs. Dry and quite closed, with limited sweetness. Flavors of plum, leather and currant leaf show only modest ripeness. Firm acids give this wine a slight sour edge. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 87 (VN (ST)) |
Inc. VAT
£481.20 |
|||||
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (87)Dark ruby-red. Withdrawn aromas of currant and herbs. Dry and quite closed, with limited sweetness. Flavors of plum, leather and currant leaf show only modest ripeness. Firm acids give this wine a slight sour edge. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£3,758.40 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (91)There are 20,000 cases of the gorgeous 2003 Carruades de Lafite. Despite record heat in June, July and August, this wine only hit 12.8% alcohol, which seems modest compared to the higher alcohol levels of 2009 and 2010. A final blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a second wine with a Lafite Rothschild-like character, plenty of creme de cassis, cedarwood and graphite notes as well as a supple, lush texture. It has reached full maturity where it should remain for another 5-10 years. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 91 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£306.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (91)There are 20,000 cases of the gorgeous 2003 Carruades de Lafite. Despite record heat in June, July and August, this wine only hit 12.8% alcohol, which seems modest compared to the higher alcohol levels of 2009 and 2010. A final blend of 50% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc has resulted in a second wine with a Lafite Rothschild-like character, plenty of creme de cassis, cedarwood and graphite notes as well as a supple, lush texture. It has reached full maturity where it should remain for another 5-10 years. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 91 (WE) |
In Bond
£3,244.00 |
|||||
Wine Enthusiast (91)Though this is the second wine for Lafite-Rothschild, it is a major wine in its own right, with its dense, powered fruit and a structure obviously built to last. There is sweet, rich fruit and lively vibrant acidity. Imported by Domaines Barons de Rothschild and multiple U.S. importers. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£4,027.20 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)Currants and blackberries on the nose. Spicy and intense undertones. Full body, with juicy fruit and a soft, very silky texture and a long, long finish. Polished and very pretty. Best Carruades ever. Try in 2018. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
£4,008.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)This smells like a bouquet of flowers with blueberries and currants and spices. Full body, yet agile and refined. So fine and pretty. It's balanced and in harmony. Savory. A smoky, decadent and meat undertone. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 95 (JS) |
In Bond
£475.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (95)This smells like a bouquet of flowers with blueberries and currants and spices. Full body, yet agile and refined. So fine and pretty. It's balanced and in harmony. Savory. A smoky, decadent and meat undertone. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 87-89 (WA) |
In Bond
£3,913.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (87-89)The 2011 Carruades de Lafite is composed of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Soft berry fruit, underbrush, fresh herb and bay leaf characteristics as well as soft tannins, a velvety texture, and a medium-bodied, slightly superficial, but satisfying style suggest this 2011 should be consumed over the next 10-15 years. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92 (JS) |
In Bond
£3,913.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (92)Pretty density and flavor for Carruades in this less than perfect year. Shows tobacco, cream and chocolate aromas and flavors with black currants. Full to medium body, fresh finish. Drink now or hold. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92-93 (JS) |
In Bond
£3,913.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (92-93)A silky and fine second wine of Lafite with blueberry, blackberry and flower aromas and flavors. Cedar and nuts too. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 92-93 (JS) |
In Bond
£389.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (92-93)A silky and fine second wine of Lafite with blueberry, blackberry and flower aromas and flavors. Cedar and nuts too. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96-97 (JS) |
In Bond
£237.50 |
|||||
James Suckling (96-97)This is very classically structured with a palate that starts off slowly. Full-bodied and chewy with a soft, creamy texture and a long finish. Savory. A touch austere. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 3% cabernet franc, the rest petit verdot. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (WS) |
In Bond
£9,195.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (97)The great first-growth estate produced a wine with amazing length in this new vintage. Goes on and on, with mint, plum and cassis aromas and flavors and ultrafine tannins. A superb Bordeaux. Best after 1999. 25,000 cases made. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 6 | - |
Inc. VAT
£1,354.80 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
£3,097.00 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£966.00 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 86-88 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,098.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (86-88)The 1957, while not great, is nevertheless surprisingly good (twice I have rated it in the 86-88 range). |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 70 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,098.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (70)(Magnum) |
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|
Bordeaux | 3 | 80 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£937.20 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (80)Given the overblown praise for the 1961, 1966, and 1970 Lafites, it seems as though the 1964, a wine obviously made after the rains, is a wine that has taken more criticism than it deserves. Not that it is sublime or profound, but it has consistently shown a chunky, fruity character, and a whiff of some of Lafite's fabulous bouquet. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 7/82. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 84 (WA) |
In Bond
£10,082.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (84)Except for the 1966 and 1870 vintages of Lafite-Rothschild, these wines were poured on virgin territory on my palate. Isn't it ironic that the most disappointing wine (forgetting the spoiled 1875 Lafite-Rothschild, which had frightful levels of volatile acidity) was the youngest wine, the 1966 Lafite. With a light to medium ruby/garnet color, this wine exhibited a classy, weedy, herbal, Cabernet-dominated nose, soft, washed-out flavors, and little body and length. It is also beginning to dry out. I suppose if one were to taste a 30-year old Cabernet from Monterey County, California, it might reveal similar characteristics. The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has consistently been a major disappointment from what is an irregular, but very good vintage. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 72 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£768.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (72)This is a vintage in which Lafite could certainly have done better. Light ruby with browning very much in evidence, this wine in the mid-1970s had a fragrant, spicy, charming bouquet, easygoing, simple fruity flavors, and light tannins. Now it is quite tired with old, faded, fruit flavors. Drink up! Anticipated maturity: Now-probably in serious decline. Last tasted, 12/80. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
Inc. VAT
£849.60 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 11 | 93 (VT) |
Inc. VAT
£798.00 |
|||||
Vintage Tastings (93)The Lafite had a bit of volatile acidity to it, but some nice pencil, cedar and roasted fruit behind it. It was tender and slightly rich in the mouth, with a leathery finish. |
|||||||||
|
Bordeaux | 5 | - |
Inc. VAT
£937.20 |
|||||
|
Bordeaux | 1 | - |
In Bond
£614.00 |
|||||