1995 Lafite Rothschild
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Tasting Notes
Served “cellar temperature” otherwise called a hint too cold (but atmospheric nonetheless) the nose had wet soil, stone and some cassis. A very rounded palate with loads of freshness and minerals followed but the temperature meant the tannins did not show as silky as I know they are capable of.
Critic Scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Intense aromas of blackberries, black licorice and currants, with mineral undertones. Full-bodied, with a solid core of tannins and a long, silky finish. Still holding back, but is concentrated and powerful. The 1996 is always talked about, but I think this is superior and will be in the future.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. 20,000 cases made. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2007
Tasted several times: still closed when tasted blind in 2001, feminine in 2003 when it was just lacking that degree of complexity for a truly great Lafite. Then at the CECWINE vertical in September 2004. A moderate ruby hue. Very fresh, floral nose. Quite minerally, becoming dominated by cassis with aeration with a touch of mocha. The palate is feminine, elegant with a citrus freshness and good acidity. Medium-bodied. Light-weight for a First Growth and lacking persistency and length on the finish. A featherweight Lafite. Finally at the Lafite vertical in December 2005. A very deep garnet core. The nose is still very masculine: pencil lead, blackberry, black cherry and a touch of smoke. Much more typicity than the 2000. The palate has good structure, excellent acidity. Very minerally, liquorice and burnt toast. Very fine definition and good weight. Superb balance and poise. This is an archetypal Lafite this is just getting into its stride. Fresh, crisp finish with a touch of green pepper from the Cabernet Franc. Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
Blackish ruby with hardly any suggestion of ageing. That very refined lift of Lafite on the nose – oyster shells? Very elegant indeed – no dry tannins. Complete and with enough juice. A very fine Lafite. Lovely graphite finish – sinewy. No heaviness at all. And the tannins are SO well managed! Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com
About the producer
Ch. Lafite Rothschild is one of the most famous wine estates in Bordeaux and the world. One of the Left Bank’s five First Growths, the Pauillac property is renowned for producing wines of finesse and elegance that age beautifully.