Lot 567
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2003 (1) WA 100
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2004 (1) WS 93 WA 95
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2005 (1) WS 98 WA 96
Lot 567 Details
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2003 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn.
The 2003 Lafite Rothschild comes as close to perfection as any of the great Lafites made over the past three decades (1982, 1986, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010). This sensational effort came in at 12.7% natural alcohol, it is made in the style of one of this estate’s great classics, the 1959. Composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color to the rim along with a luxurious bouquet of cedarwood, lead pencil shaving, white chocolate, cocoa and cassis. Fat, rich, opulent and full-bodied with low acidity and stunning seductiveness and complexity, this noble wine possesses a bountiful, generous, heady style. It is just coming into its plateau of maturity where it should hold for 20-25 years. This is one of the candidates for the wine of the vintage – make no mistake about that. August 2014 Drink: 2014-2039 WA 100
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2004 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn. scraped label.
This beautiful, stunningly dense purple-colored effort (includes about 90% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up precise notes of graphite, black cherries, cassis, scorched earth, and minerals. Medium to full-bodied with fabulous fruit, impressive richness, refreshing acidity, and sweet tannin, this beauty should be approachable in 4-5 years, and last for three decades. WS 93 WA 95
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 2005 (1)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
u. bn.
The palate is medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, to wit, a sophisticated Pauillac that priorities elegance and poise over intensity of fruit—in keeping with Lafite Rothschild's style. You come away with the sense that it will take its time and decline, giving away a great deal in its primacy, even if it is still more approachable than the 2005 Latour for example. Therefore, I would be inclined to set this aside for several more years. Tasted November 2014. WS 98 WA 96