This was not a good vintage and its been a long time. This bottle was DOA. Oxidized. Oh well. Certainly representative of most bottles at this time.
Vintage:
1972
1972 Château Lafite Rothschild, France, Bordeaux, Puiilac, Wine Review
Related Articles
Bordeaux First Growths: Chateau Lafite, First Amongst First Growths
Of all Bordeaux first growths, perhaps none is as well known, both inside and outside of the wine world, as Chateau Lafite Rothschild. Its name transcends wine, standing as a symbol of luxury. How did it get this lofty reputation? And, more importantly is, it deserved? The answer to the second question is a definite yes. This article will explore the first question in more detail. The History: Records of this estate stretch as far back as 1234 when Gombaud de Lafite, abbot of the Vertheuil Monastery north of Pauillac, owned the property. The name Lafite comes from "la hite", a Gascon expression meaning "small hill." Records from the 14th century indicate that it was not a vineyard, but what the French call a seigneurie. This is an estate run by a lord and others who are effectively sharecroppers. The manor house was constructed in the 1500s and still standing today. Read part one of the First Growths Series. The Ségur family bought the property in the 1600s. Jacques de Ségur planted the vineyard in 1680 although grapes were no doubt grown before that. By the early 1700s, thanks to Nicolas-Alexandre, Marquis de Ségur, Chateau Lafite wines were very popular with those wealthy enough to afford them, first in English Society (where it was a favorite of Prime Minster Robert Walpole) and later in French society.
1966 Château Lafite Rothschild, France, Bordeaux, Wine Review
Vintage:
1966
Score:
86
Grade:
B
This was a treat. Lafite was not at the top of their game back in the 60's but still a first growth is cool. I believe this came from a private collection that was sold to a wine store. No idea about storage. The cork was soaked to the rim and the very bottom disintegrated upon opening. The wine was then decanted for sediment. Purple in color which was surprising. The nose took about 30 minutes to blow off all of the bottle stink. At first it seemed corked but that blew off so clearly it was not (TCA doesn't blow off). Eventually showing some tobacco, dried fruit, some cassis, and
1976 Château Lafite Rothschild, France, Bordeaux, Pauillac, Wine Review
Vintage:
1976
Score:
92
Grade:
A-
Current Price:
$625.00USD
I was apprehensive about this. Not a great vintage and 46 years from that vintage. The wine performed way above expectations. Ruby in color, some browning at the edges, clear and still somewhat bright. The nose has some cassis, some dried fruits, a bit of burnt sugar and slight oxidation. On the palate, cranberries and cassis with some dried forest floor. Light tannins. Good acidity. Some complexity. Long finish. While not a great Lafite perhaps, a very fun experience and outstanding wine. This works better with food though, considering how rare to get to try this, perhaps just e
1975 Château Lafite Rothschild, France, Bordeaux, Pauillac, Wine Review
Vintage:
1975
Score:
91
Grade:
A-
Current Price:
$700.00USD
What a treat to drink. This is a fascinating vintage. After some less than great years, this looked like it could possibly be exceptional and the Bordeaux hype train got into gear. Despite many fans who kept saying just be patient, it never took those last few steps. That said, it also has so much to offer. The wines can be austere, but they also are complex and fascinating. Which brings us to the Lafite. Is it a great Lafite? No. Is it a great wine, certainly close. Ruby in color with browning, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cherries, graphite, and slight cigar box. Med
2008 Château Lafite Rothschild, France, Bordeaux, Pauillac, Wine Review
Vintage:
2008
Score:
99
Grade:
A+
Current Price:
$1000.00USD
In a tasting of the top 2008's from Bordeaux, this was the WOTN (and mine) for drinking right now. Of course, none of them are fully mature and need at least a decade. This is a very special wine. 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple in color, ruby at the rim. The nose is classic with cassis, graphite, cedar, and cigar box. On the palate, this is intense. Lots of great cassis fruit intertwined with earthiness and cedar, it unwinds in layers in the glass. The finish is very persistent and even seems to grow on the palate. Great balance. This is a w
