Lot 217
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1982 (1) WS 94 WA 97
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1986 (1) WS 94 WA 98
Lot 217 Details
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1982 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn. scraped label. raised cork
This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. WS 94 WA 97
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1986 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
scraped capsule.
Tasted at the château, the 1986 Lafite-Rothschild continues to offer an exquisite bouquet at 30 years of age. This is beautifully defined, still full of energy, with copious blackberry, clove, leather and graphite aromas that seem to gain momentum in the glass. The palate is extremely well balanced with a crystalline quality, filigree tannin, perfectly pitched acidity, a quintessential Lafite-Rothschild with a sense of energy and focus undiminished by time. This finish displays immense purity and refinement, one of the most mineral-driven Lafites that I have encountered, whilst the aftertaste seems to linger for over one minute. It must rank as one of the finest wines from the estate. Tasted July 2016. WS 94 WA 98