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.
Read More
Photo
Video
AI Chat
Prices:
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bordeaux | 13 | - |
Inc. VAT
£489.60 |
|||||
|
|
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 Withdrawn aromas of currant and herbs.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
£261.60 |
|||||
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 | 90 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£3,502.87 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (90)The second wine, which has soared in quality over the last decade, is an outstanding effort displaying a character similar to that of Lafite, without the size, depth, and aging potential of that wine. The 2006 Carruades de Lafite offers up aromas of graphite, cedar, black currants, sweet cherries, and smoky herbs. This complex, more evolved, medium-bodied, silky-textured, sexy offering will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years. |
|||||||||
|
|
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. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 94 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£470.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (94)Lead-pencil aromas with currants and plums, too. Full body, silky tannins and a focused and very refined finish. It's the tannins that drive things. An excellent second wine of Lafite. Needs two or three years to soften. Start drinking in 2021. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96-97 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£293.00 |
|||||
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 | 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). |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 70 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,098.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (70)(Magnum) |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 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 | 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 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 11 | - |
Inc. VAT
£867.60 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 11 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£768.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (93)The 1976 Lafite clearly stands far above the crowd in this vintage. A beautiful bouquet of seductive cedarwood, spices, and ripe fruit precedes a very concentrated, darkly colored wine, with great length and texture. Some amber is just beginning to appear at the edge. The 1976 has turned out to be the best Lafite of the '70s. It is gorgeous to drink at present. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 9/96. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£3,662.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98)The 1982 Lafite Rothschild is at the peak of its powers today, and the two bottles I drank this year were both exceptional. Wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries and blackcurrants mingled with notions of cedar chest, cigar box, camphor and dried flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with an effortlessly elegant, harmonious profile and a long, fragrant finish. While this is far from being the most powerful Médoc of the vintage, it is among the most pleasurable. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£48,471.67 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98)The 1982 Lafite Rothschild is at the peak of its powers today, and the two bottles I drank this year were both exceptional. Wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries and blackcurrants mingled with notions of cedar chest, cigar box, camphor and dried flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with an effortlessly elegant, harmonious profile and a long, fragrant finish. While this is far from being the most powerful Médoc of the vintage, it is among the most pleasurable. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (JS) |
Inc. VAT
£771.20 |
|||||
James Suckling (96)This is Lafite. Prune and spices, with a cedar and wet tobacco character on the nose. Even tea. Full and rich with a dark China tea and cedar character. Just a hint of chocolate. Opens in the glass like a genie. Amazing. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£7,908.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (97)Defines elegance and sophistication with distinct tea, earthy chocolate, cherry and cassis flavors that gently unfold onthe palate. It's impeccibly well balanced with soft, smooth yet firm tannins that give it structure and depth. Should age 20 or 30 years, maybe longer. Tasted twice; first bottle was "corked". |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 86 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£830.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (86)Lafite's light-bodied 1991 possesses moderate ruby color, a solid innercore of fruit, as well as potentially excessive tannin for its size and constitution. The wine exhibits Lafite's subtle personality with a leafy, tobacco, lead pencil nose intertwined with sweet aromas of cassis. Dry, austere, and lacking length, it should turn out to be a good representation of Lafite-Rothschild in this so-so year. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£819.20 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (93)A luscious Lafite that is silky and elegant with layers of wonderful violet, berry, cherry and chocolate flavors. It's full-bodied, with racy, refined tannins and good length. Drinkable now, but best from 1999 and through another decade. 18,750 cases made. - |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£9,282.07 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (93)A luscious Lafite that is silky and elegant with layers of wonderful violet, berry, cherry and chocolate flavors. It's full-bodied, with racy, refined tannins and good length. Drinkable now, but best from 1999 and through another decade. 18,750 cases made. - |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 19 (JR) |
Inc. VAT
£867.20 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (19)Blaickish ruby with hardly any suggestion of ageing. That very refined lift of Lafite on the nose – oyster shells? Very elegant indeed – no dry tannins. Complete and with enough juice. A very fine Lafite. Lovely graphite finish – sinewy. No heaviness at all. And the tannins are SO well managed! |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 100 (JA) |
Inc. VAT
£1,014.80 |
|||||
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)Tasted first at the château in July, then again at a Berry Bros supper in late November, and both time it effortlessly showcased why Lafite is one of the most sought-after estates in the world. Takes its time to open, even at 25 years old, but a bit of patience and you are rewarded with rosebud, tuffle, ash, pencil lead and crushed mint, all gently playing around the cassis, bilberry and blackberry fruits. There is huge concentration here, but everything is in balance, and you rejoice in the tertiary notes that give gentleness and juice to the overall feel. Charles Chevallier estate director at the time, Jacques Boissenot consultant. Harvest began September 24, 58hl/h yield. The first Lafite to be put in an anti-fraud engraved bottle. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (VN (NM)) |
Inc. VAT
£809.60 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)The 1998 Lafite-Rothschild is served from double magnum directly from the château reserves, in fact with the man who made it sitting opposite me – Charles Chevalier. I must admit to being quite amazed how well this shows at 20-years of age, trouncing all the other First Growths except Haut-Brion. Lucid in colour, it has a vivid bouquet of pure blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and graphite, perhaps just a little uncharacteristically showy in style, but beautifully defined and intense. The palate is perfectly balanced with layers of ripe black fruit, perfectly pitched acidity and a silky smooth texture that renders this utterly seductive. It is almost too good for me to recommend cellaring longer. Whatever...it is a sublime Lafite-Rothschild that on this showing, may well challenge the supremacy of the 1996. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner in Bordeaux. |
|||||||||
| Product Name | Region | Qty | Score | Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Bordeaux | 13 | - |
Inc. VAT
£489.60 |
|||||
|
|
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
£261.60 |
|||||
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 | 90 (WA) |
In Bond
£2,887.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (90)The second wine, which has soared in quality over the last decade, is an outstanding effort displaying a character similar to that of Lafite, without the size, depth, and aging potential of that wine. The 2006 Carruades de Lafite offers up aromas of graphite, cedar, black currants, sweet cherries, and smoky herbs. This complex, more evolved, medium-bodied, silky-textured, sexy offering will provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years. |
|||||||||
|
|
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 | 94 (JS) |
In Bond
£389.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (94)Lead-pencil aromas with currants and plums, too. Full body, silky tannins and a focused and very refined finish. It's the tannins that drive things. An excellent second wine of Lafite. Needs two or three years to soften. Start drinking in 2021. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96-97 (JS) |
In Bond
£241.50 |
|||||
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 | 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) |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 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 | 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 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 11 | - |
Inc. VAT
£867.60 |
|||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 11 | 93 (WA) |
Inc. VAT
£768.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (93)The 1976 Lafite clearly stands far above the crowd in this vintage. A beautiful bouquet of seductive cedarwood, spices, and ripe fruit precedes a very concentrated, darkly colored wine, with great length and texture. Some amber is just beginning to appear at the edge. The 1976 has turned out to be the best Lafite of the '70s. It is gorgeous to drink at present. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 9/96. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£3,049.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98)The 1982 Lafite Rothschild is at the peak of its powers today, and the two bottles I drank this year were both exceptional. Wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries and blackcurrants mingled with notions of cedar chest, cigar box, camphor and dried flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with an effortlessly elegant, harmonious profile and a long, fragrant finish. While this is far from being the most powerful Médoc of the vintage, it is among the most pleasurable. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 98 (WA) |
In Bond
£40,361.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (98)The 1982 Lafite Rothschild is at the peak of its powers today, and the two bottles I drank this year were both exceptional. Wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries and blackcurrants mingled with notions of cedar chest, cigar box, camphor and dried flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with an effortlessly elegant, harmonious profile and a long, fragrant finish. While this is far from being the most powerful Médoc of the vintage, it is among the most pleasurable. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (JS) |
In Bond
£640.00 |
|||||
James Suckling (96)This is Lafite. Prune and spices, with a cedar and wet tobacco character on the nose. Even tea. Full and rich with a dark China tea and cedar character. Just a hint of chocolate. Opens in the glass like a genie. Amazing. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 97 (WS) |
Inc. VAT
£7,908.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (97)Defines elegance and sophistication with distinct tea, earthy chocolate, cherry and cassis flavors that gently unfold onthe palate. It's impeccibly well balanced with soft, smooth yet firm tannins that give it structure and depth. Should age 20 or 30 years, maybe longer. Tasted twice; first bottle was "corked". |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 86 (WA) |
In Bond
£689.00 |
|||||
Wine Advocate (86)Lafite's light-bodied 1991 possesses moderate ruby color, a solid innercore of fruit, as well as potentially excessive tannin for its size and constitution. The wine exhibits Lafite's subtle personality with a leafy, tobacco, lead pencil nose intertwined with sweet aromas of cassis. Dry, austere, and lacking length, it should turn out to be a good representation of Lafite-Rothschild in this so-so year. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WS) |
In Bond
£680.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (93)A luscious Lafite that is silky and elegant with layers of wonderful violet, berry, cherry and chocolate flavors. It's full-bodied, with racy, refined tannins and good length. Drinkable now, but best from 1999 and through another decade. 18,750 cases made. - |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 93 (WS) |
In Bond
£7,703.00 |
|||||
Wine Spectator (93)A luscious Lafite that is silky and elegant with layers of wonderful violet, berry, cherry and chocolate flavors. It's full-bodied, with racy, refined tannins and good length. Drinkable now, but best from 1999 and through another decade. 18,750 cases made. - |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 19 (JR) |
In Bond
£720.00 |
|||||
Jancis Robinson (19)Blaickish ruby with hardly any suggestion of ageing. That very refined lift of Lafite on the nose – oyster shells? Very elegant indeed – no dry tannins. Complete and with enough juice. A very fine Lafite. Lovely graphite finish – sinewy. No heaviness at all. And the tannins are SO well managed! |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 2 | 100 (JA) |
In Bond
£843.00 |
|||||
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)Tasted first at the château in July, then again at a Berry Bros supper in late November, and both time it effortlessly showcased why Lafite is one of the most sought-after estates in the world. Takes its time to open, even at 25 years old, but a bit of patience and you are rewarded with rosebud, tuffle, ash, pencil lead and crushed mint, all gently playing around the cassis, bilberry and blackberry fruits. There is huge concentration here, but everything is in balance, and you rejoice in the tertiary notes that give gentleness and juice to the overall feel. Charles Chevallier estate director at the time, Jacques Boissenot consultant. Harvest began September 24, 58hl/h yield. The first Lafite to be put in an anti-fraud engraved bottle. |
|||||||||
|
|
Bordeaux | 1 | 96 (VN (NM)) |
In Bond
£672.00 |
|||||
Vinous - Neal Martin (96)The 1998 Lafite-Rothschild is served from double magnum directly from the château reserves, in fact with the man who made it sitting opposite me – Charles Chevalier. I must admit to being quite amazed how well this shows at 20-years of age, trouncing all the other First Growths except Haut-Brion. Lucid in colour, it has a vivid bouquet of pure blackberry, blueberry, vanilla and graphite, perhaps just a little uncharacteristically showy in style, but beautifully defined and intense. The palate is perfectly balanced with layers of ripe black fruit, perfectly pitched acidity and a silky smooth texture that renders this utterly seductive. It is almost too good for me to recommend cellaring longer. Whatever...it is a sublime Lafite-Rothschild that on this showing, may well challenge the supremacy of the 1996. Tasted at the Académie du Vin dinner in Bordeaux. |
|||||||||
