2013 Lafite Rothschild
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Lafite-Rothschild is a slightly muddled nose, and certainly, compared directly with the other Rothschild, there is not the same level of delineation and complexity. The palate is thankfully better with mint and eucalyptus on the entry. It's moderate depth with a pastille-like style. The 2013 doesn't really deliver First Growth sophistication on the finish. It's a First Growth chugging along on two cylinders instead of four, yet you'll still finish drinking your glass. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The intensity of colour is about the same as Latour's but it's much more evolved in the Lafite. Sweet and fresh and lifted and dancing. Very Lafite! There are hidden depths to this wine which is not disappointingly light or simple. Fresh and a decent interpretation of 2013 with undertow – but you may baulk at the price for a non-classic (though delicious) vintage. (JR)
Almost 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and as is often the case with Lafite, one of the lowest alcohols on display. Attractive softly-spoken brambled dark fruits, charcoal and slate. It needs a slow approach, let it open and unfurl in the glass to showcase the fine tannins and smudge of charcoal smoke. Even the 'off' vintages at Lafite have a great potential to clock up a few decades in them, so I would bet on this going for a while yet, but you are getting the best of it now, and it lacks the clarity and complexity of the best years.
Tasted blind. Light on the nose and just a touch leafy, like Cab Franc. Leafy and quite light but also fresh and juicy. Light pleasure but pretty dry. (JH)
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.