Wine Advisor
Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1978
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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: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
I have always preferred the 1979 to the 1978, but in this tasting, despite the intense herbaceous, unusual peppery quality to the 1978's bouquet, it was a slightly more interesting wine than the narrowly constructed 1979. The 1978 is revealing some amber at the edge, a moderately intense, curranty, herbal nose, soft flavors, medium-body, and a finish that quickly evaporates. By no means is this a persuasive example of Lafite-Rothschild. My instincts suggest drinking it over the next 10-15 years. I do not see it getting any better, whereas the 1979 will, hopefully, improve. Last tasted, 6/93.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
This has a warmer, more inviting nose than the previous wine, with perhaps a little more Merlot evident? There are scents of decayed red-berried fruits with cedar and a touch of hot bricks and together they make a compelling bouquet. Certainly this has impressive definition and clarity. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy entry, well-judged acidity and very natural in style. Elegant and feminine with supple, red-berried fruits, cranberry and a touch of bitter chocolate towards the finish. This has matured very well and is a beautiful, classic Lafite. Drink now-2018. Tasted September 2008.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
First tasted in October 2001, served blind against Latour 1978 when it displayed a slight exotic edge compared to its fellow First Growth. But showing marvelously in November 2005 at the Lafite vertical. Still a very deep garnet colour with dark brick rim. A fabulous nose of hot bricks, savory fruits and dried blood. Superb definition. The palate is masculine, with cedar and tobacco dominating the palate. Completely classic Lafite, very traditional, perhaps anachronistic in style but an archetypal gentleman's claret. Fine crisp acidity with an assertive, earthy finish. Wonderful.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
This wine is distinctively herbaceous and cedary, with surprisingly high acidity, and aggressive tannin in the finish. Its medium garnet color and smoky, roasted herb-scented nose are followed by a wine with good fruit on the attack, but an angular, sharp finish. The wine appears to be closer to full maturity than its younger sibling, the 1979. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted 10/97
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