Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1970

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

A more mature appearance than Mouton 1970. At the beginning this is a little thin and stalky. But then magically putting on weight in the glass and completely transforming. A fleshy, cigar-box nose, fragrant and perfumed. The palate exhibiting fine ripeness, moderate to light tannins but typical First Growth sophistication and cohesion. This definitely needs a lot of aeration and rest before it pulls together - but it’s worth the wait. Very crisp almost sharp bitter cherry finish. Medium length. Drinking now. Tasted May 2003.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the “First Growth” lunch in London. Nice clear colour. The bouquet definitely has more vigour then previous bottles encountered, with sandalwood, cigar box and cedar to the fore. Not a complex nose, but nicely defined and unashamedly “classic” in style. The palate is medium-bodied and well-balanced, good level of ripeness, elegant; harmonious but aloof. The second half is conservative but still fresh with just a touch of piquancy right on the finish. This Lafite is not going to go anywhere, but this shows that good bottles can still be pleasurable. Drink now-2015. Tasted October 2008.

robert_parker85

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A moderately good showing for this wine, Lafite's 1970 has consistently left me disappointed. The wine is beginning to reveal some of the classic Lafite nose of cedar, lead pencil, dried red and black fruits, and spice. The wine's bouquet would merit an outstanding rating if it were slightly more intense. On the palate, the annoyingly high acidity continues to be problematic, largely because the wine does not possess the flesh, fat, and extract to cover its angular structure. I have had some sour, acidic bottles of the 1970 Lafite, but this offering had better balance than previous examples. This is a wine that has far greater value on the auction block than on the dinner table.