Wine Advisor
Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1962
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Description
Within the five rarefied first growths, Lafite is perhaps the wine with the best reputation for quality and longevity, commanding correspondingly high prices. It is considered by some to be the best wine to come out of Bordeaux. In 1815, Guillaume Lawton said of Château Lafite, “I consider it to be the the most elegant and delicate, with the finest substance of the three (Premier Crus). The location of its vines is one of the finest in the Médoc”. In 1855 the Château was ranked as a Premier Grand Cru in the famous classification that was prepared for the Universal Exhibition of that year. Lafite is also known as the ‘King’s wine’, after being introduced to the Court at Versailles by Maréchal Richelieu.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the Fine Wine Experience 1962 Bordeaux horizontal. Moderate Although this has a more mature colour than the Margaux ’62, the nose is in a completely difference league with much better vigour and delineation: faded red-berried fruit, wild strawberry, cedar, a touch of leather and earth. The palate is very well balanced, slightly medicinal on the entry but showing much better fruit concentration than the Margaux, perfectly judged acidity and fine but firm tannins holding everything together. It has tautness on the linear finish that is so classic Lafite and in retrospect, this is the best bottle of Lafite ’62 to have passed my palate. Drink now-2015+ Tasted March 2010.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A bottle opened at dinner in Bordeaux. A distinct amber rim. A mature nose with autumnal leaves, earth and bramble fruit. Exquisite palate, starting to fade with leather, wood and herbal notes. A stately, regal wine. Good length but rather a spent force. Drink up. Like the 1961, Latour is far better in this vintage. Tasted February 2000.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1962 Lafite-Rothschild exhibited the chateau's tell-tale cedary, cigar box-like, understated bouquet, and light-bodied, delicate flavors. Although soft, round, and delicious, like so many Lafites, its stiff price always makes me think that the quality of Lafite is rarely proportional to the wine's cost. Last tasted 12/95
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