Lafite Rothschild 1996

Lafite Rothschild

Case Format: 1x600cl

Max score: 100.0

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

100
Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Tasted three times since bottling, the 1996 Lafite-Rothschild is unquestionably this renowned estates greatest wine. As I indicated last year, only 38% of the crop was deemed grand enough to be put into the final blend, which is atypically high in Cabernet Sauvignon (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot). This massive wine may be the biggest, largest-scaled Lafite I have ever tasted. It will require many years to come around, so I suspect all of us past the age of fifty might want to give serious consideration as to whether we should be laying away multiple cases of this wine. It is also the first Lafite-Rothschild to be put into a new engraved bottle (designed to prevent fraudulent imitations). The wine exhibits a thick-looking, ruby/purple color, and a knock-out nose of lead pencil, minerals, flowers, and black currant scents. Extremely powerful and full-bodied, with remarkable complexity for such a young wine, this huge Lafite is oozing with extract and richness, yet has managed to preserve its quintessentially elegant personality. This wine is even richer than it was prior to bottling. It should unquestionably last for 40-50 years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. The wine of the vintage?

100
Jane Anson

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.

DELIVERY INFORMATION

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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CASE FORMAT

MAX CRITIC SCORE

100.0

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