CRITIC REVIEWS
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
The 2005 Lafite is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. Deep garnet-brick in color, it slips sensuously from the glass with eager-to-please scents of creme de cassis, Christmas cake, and cedar chest, giving way to hints of Indian spices, sweaty leather, and pencil shavings. The mineral-laced, medium-bodied palate is elegant and shimmery, delivering firm tannins and a soft-spoken finish. Delivering a mature, wonderfully evocative experience now, it is well within its drinking window and should cellar to 2045+. At this time the estate was managed by Baron Eric de Rothschild and Charles Chevallier was technical director.
Andy Howard MW
Regal, intense colour in the glass. This shows a floral nose, with violets and spice notes to the fore. The palate is layered palate with flavours of dark cherry and berry fruit, combined with a hefty amount of oak. Distinct notes of cool menthol on the nose and palate. Seemed just a little short of fruit – perhaps a bottle not quite at its best. There is undoubtedly a refinement to the texture here, with fine tannins and lots of acidity, along with a lifted, racy edge. Still a young wine with many years ahead.