Lot 263
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1998 (1) WS 95 WA 98
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2008 (1) WA 98
Lot 263 Details
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1998 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn. scraped & marked label.
A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot, this wine represents only 34% of Lafite's total harvest. In a less than perfect Medoc vintage, it has been spectacular since birth, putting on more weight and flesh over the last year. This opaque purple-colored 1998 is close to perfection. The spectacular nose of lead pencil, smoky, mineral, and black currant fruit soars majestically from the glass. The wine is elegant yet profoundly rich, revealing the essence of Lafite's character. The tannin is sweet, and the wine is spectacularly layered yet never heavy. The finish is sweet, super-rich, yet impeccably balanced and long (50+ seconds). Anticipated maturity: 2007-2035. April 2001 WS 95 WA 98
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2008 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn. scraped label.
This blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, I doubt it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). The 2008 should be relatively drinkable in 6-10 years as it is already showing remarkable complexity and breed, and will last for 30-35 years...at the minimum. May 2011 WA 98