Lafite Rothschild 1990

Lafite Rothschild

Case Format: 1x75cl

Max score: 96.0

The most famous wine of the Bordeaux region, Château Lafite Rothschild definitely lives up to its hype. Located in Pauillac, the estate exists at the north of the appellation separated by marshland from the neighbouring Saint-Estèphe. Its grand vin is cultivated on a gravel plateau, which sees the vineyard planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (c.92%), Merlot (c.7%) and Petit Verdot (c.1%). At 107 acres the vineyard is one of the largest in the Médoc. Dating back to 1234 Lafite Rothschild has a long history and has been under the ownership of the Rothschild family for over 200 years. Its respect for and cultivation of its terroir has continued for centuries, culminating in the creation of its ground-breaking wines. Lafite Rothschild produces an elegant style of Pauillac that is brimming with flavour. Expect warm notes of cedar, truffle and tobacco, the lip-smacking tartness of cassis, and the vibrancy of juicy red fruits.

IN BOND

CRITIC REVIEWS

91
Neal Martin

Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. The 1990 Lafite has a very typical Left Bank ’90 nose with luscious brambly red fruit, kirsch, singed leather and truffle. For me, especially compared to the 1989, the aromatics are comparatively diffuse and certainly more decayed. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft, quite fleshy entry with strong savoury, meaty flavours. The ’90 certainly has good weight, but there is something feral and animally here whilst there is a “furry” texture on the “mealy” finish. This is a highly enjoyable Lafite although one that I would not cellar long-term. Tasted February 2012.

95
Jane Anson

This is an elegant, balanced Lafite that remains mouthwatering and juicy on the finish. It is not the most immediately impressive of the 1990 firsts, but then when does Lafite ever try to shout the loudest? Instead, it is all about a quiet but relentless building of layers, with brambled black fruits, graphite, cold ash and soft leather alongside a spicier rosemary and clove edging. Gilbert Rokvam was the technical director at this time, working with owner Baron Eric de Rothschild. Harvest began on September 13, and the scorching summer temperatures were compared by the property to 1947 and 1949.

DELIVERY INFORMATION

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

COLOUR

COUNTRY

REGION

VINTAGE

CASE FORMAT

MAX CRITIC SCORE

96.0

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