Chateau Lafite Rothschild Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 2006

One of the fabulous surprises, although I had suggested last year that it could jump in quality, of my tastings, the 2006 Lafite Rothschild is a great, great wine made from a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. When I tasted it from barrel, it reminded me of their successful 1988, but it is dramatically superior to that vintage. Frankly, it may turn out to be as good as the 2005, which in all of Bordeaux is a far greater vintage than 2006. 

Lafite’s severe selection process 42% made it into the grand vin) resulted in a full-bodied wine boasting an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, truffles, lead pencil shavings, and sensationally sweet, ripe black currant and cedar notes. A wine of extraordinary intensity, texture, and depth with silky tannins as well as awesome concentration, this has turned out to be a remarkable Lafite Rothschild that should be drinkable much earlier than the 2005, but age for three decades. 

Drink 2014 - 2035+

The aromas of blue fruit, iodine, sweet tobacco and lavender follow through nicely to the palate that’s medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and a long, cool finish. Still a little tight, but it shows great finesse and pedigree. Just starting to open now.

Such a rich but keeping-it-elegant) Lafite nose. Great restraint and power here: Lafite always knows when to advance and when to retreat. This displays juicy cassis and cold ash, with perfectly worn tannins that are just starting to soften but have so much ahead. It should maintain this level for another 30 years whilst moving into its second, third and fourth life along the way.

Drink 2018 - 2040