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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
A moderate ruby core. A dense cedary and tobacco nose. As expected, a light-weight palate with the same notes on the nose coming through. Not as much depth as Latour with a soy sauce note marking the finish. Drink up. Tasted February 2003.

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The personality of Lafite comes through in the 1984 vintage. An elegant bouquet of herbaceous, cedary fruit is first class. New oak dominates the palate and some hard tannins exhibit a dryness at the finish. The 1984 is a light but well-balanced wine. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/88.

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The personality of Lafite comes through in the 1984 vintage. An elegant bouquet of herbaceous, cedary fruit is first class. New oak dominates the palate and some hard tannins exhibit a dryness at the finish. The 1984 is a light but well-balanced wine. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/88.

Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 1984 Lafite-Rothschild comes from an off vintage that occasionally springs a surprise... but not this time. It feels fatigued and musty on the nose, presenting pungent tomato vine aromas and a touch of licorice. The palate is better, with dry tannins and vestiges of black fruit and pencil lead, yet it fades dramatically on the finish, which lacks energy. Bottles should be drunk soon. Tasted blind over Xmas lunch in London.