Lafite Rothschild 2019

One of the greatest wines produced in Bordeaux this year is the 2019 Lafite Rothschild, an impeccably balanced classic of immense charm and grace. Wafting from the glass with arresting aromas of cassis, blackberries and cherries mingled with violets, cigar box and warm spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, its velvety attack segueing into a layered, concentrated mid-palate framed by exquisitely powdery tannins and ripe acids, and concluding with a long, perfumed finish. This rivals the 2010 and 2016 as the greatest Lafite of the decade, and of those three vintages, it's clearly the most sensual and demonstrative out of the gates. The blend contains fully 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and attained a modest 13.4% alcohol. Drink Date 2029 - 2065

So much sweet tobacco, Spanish cedar, dried flowers, dark mushrooms and roses. Really aromatic. This is so polished and very powerful, yet ethereal and refined at the same time. The finish goes on for minutes. Tight and harmonious. You want to drink it! So balanced, yet it will age beautifully. It will be this good forever. 94% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Better after 2031.

The 2019 Lafite Rothschild is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep purple-black in color, it needs a lot of swirling to start to unravel notes of black cherries, boysenberries, and crushed blackcurrants, followed by nuances of fragrant earth, iron ore, tree bark, and cumin seed with a waft of cloves. Medium-bodied, very elegant, restrained, and refined, the palate quivers with tension and shimmers with energy, with delicate fruit framed by firm tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long. This is one for the long haul.

There is a sense of discretion to this Lafite, full of pencil lead, crayon, chalk-textured minerality, clear grain and grip to the tannins that lets everything unfold slowly and calmly, no drama and yet a slow-building sense of power. Enjoyable precision and chiseling to the spiced cassis and bilberry fruits, this feels supremely Lafite in its balance and finesse. The tight structure relaxes in the glass, adding a layer of creaminess to the blackberry and loganberry fruit. A large majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it takes up its dominant role with grace. Brilliant quality. Harvest September 19 to October 7. Lafite always takes its time to show its full potential, and this could easily be a 100 point wine at the 10 year-plus window.

Tasted blind. Weaker, more-evolved ruby colour than most. Interesting tobacco-leaf aromas. Sweet, dramatic, concentrated fruit initially, with a little chewiness and masses of freshness. Flattering, lots of detail and quite distinctive. Not as long as some. 13%

The blend is dominated by 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Merlot and a dash of Petit Verdot. The grapes were harvested between 19th September and 7th October. Deep purple colour in the glass. The nose exudes sophisticated, cool cassis, layered with light notes of cedar, camphor and tobacco. The palate is extremely refined, with plentiful, mouthcoating tannins very fine-grained to support the deep dark-fruited core. This is mineral, and savoury, the graphite and cedar tones refreshed into blackcurrant and a slight smokiness by refreshing acidity. This is all about precision, taming any warmth or ripeness with structure and well-judged oak. This leaves an impression of cool blackcurrant, pencil shavings and just a hint of sweet spice on a penetrating, long, harmonious finish. All about elegance and depth.

94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. Barrel sample.
Supreme elegance in the Lafite mould. Fresh and fragrant on the nose with mineral, cedar and dark-fruit notes. Poise and precision on the palate, the attack clean and direct, the tannins long and linear but enrobed in ripe fruit. Dense but with a reined-in discretion. Silky texture and overall great freshness. Just edges the 2018 for freshness and finesse. (JL)
Drink 2030 – 2050