1982 CH LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1ER CRU PAUILLAC - 1x75cl

Tasting Notes

• 

  Decanter, October 2016,
  Score: 98

  The nose is subdued at first, needs time and patience in the glass, before a beautifully smoky cigar box just explodes out. Here again there are fireside brick red notes around the edge of the glass, with a deeper rich red core. The fruit is just starting to edge from tight cassis to soft, wild strawberries mixed with cedar and liquorice root finessing. That classic menthol freshness of a great Pauillac is evident on the finish, keeping this very much in line. This has all the signatures of Lafite Rothschild – it’s not trying to be the most concentrated or burly wine here, and yet it just keeps on delivering something new with every sip.

• 

  Jancis Robinson, May 2018,
  Score: 18

  Not the most concentrated nor long-living 1982 though lovely to drink now. Perfumed, mineral, salty, long and juicy with a slightly drying finish. But overall transparent and nervy with some fine Lafite quality. Drink 1998-2030

More Tasting Notes Hide More Tasting Notes

Producer

Château Lafite Rothschild

One peek into Château Lafite's cellar is like entering into the 18th century. Its cobweb-covered chandeliers subtly light shadowy corridors that play host to hundreds of ancient vintages. Nothing could be more representative of its wine making philosophy - classic, stylish and yet powerful - characteristics that have made it one of the most collectible wines in the world. Situated in the north of Pauillac, Château Lafite-Rothschild sits on gravel soils with bits of limestone scattered in the mix. It is one of the largest estates in the Medoc and one of the most prominent, the wines exude elegance and finesse. The vineyard is laid out to mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) with the rest comprising Merlot (25%) Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%). The second wine, Carruades de Lafite, has a slightly more Merlot than the Grand Vin and is thus more approachable in its youth.