Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1997

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

At 11-years of age, this has a rather broody nose, with blackberry, tar, a touch of mulberry and boysenberry. Good definition, still youthful. A hint of black olives developing in the glass then overt cedar and sandalwood tones. Medium-bodied on the palate, a slightly looser structure than I was expected, good acidity, silky mouthfeel with briary and a little damson coming through on the quasi-Pomerol like about the finish. Moderate length although it trails off a little on the aftertaste. It remains perhaps the best ’97 First Growth. Drink now-2018. Tasted September 2008.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Perhaps the best First Growth 1997, this has a deep garnet core with youthful rim. Moderate intensity on the nose with sandalwood, cedar, dusty black fruits and a touch of raspberry leaf. Medium-bodied palate, good acidity and structure, relatively light compared to Latour but it has superb balance and definition Somehow reminds me of a young  version of the ’66. Tightens up on the finish so this needs more time. Impressive. Tasted September 2007.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

I thought the 1997 Lafite-Rothschild to be one of the vintage's stars. Made in a precocious style, not very massive and concentrated, it possesses aromas of lead pencil, minerals, plums, and black currant fruit. Exhibiting surprising richness, a supple texture, medium body, and delicious purity and ripeness, this light-styled but beautiful Lafite-Rothschild should be ready to drink in 3-5 years. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The 1997 Lafite-Rothschild may turn out to be a modern day replay of the glorious 1976. Complex, with considerable finesse, elegance, and a sexy, approachable style, this dark ruby/purple-colored, medium-bodied wine already reveals copious quantities of the tell-tale Lafite scents of mineral, lead pencil, and cedar. This rich yet graceful Lafite displays no trace of aggressiveness or hardness. It is an approachable, lush wine that will evolve quickly, yet keep for 15-20 years. Lafite's harvest occurred between September 8 (beginning with the Merlot) and October 2. For some Cabernet Sauvignon parcels, there were an exceptional 135 days (the norm being 105-110 days) between the flowering and harvest. This estate, which made a profoundly great 1996, utilized only 28% of its harvest for the 1997 grand vin. Moreover, the selection for the second wine, Carruades, was also severe.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Only 26% of the crop made it into the final blend, resulting in only 15,000 cases of the 1997 Lafite-Rothschild. Readers should not ignore this wine because of the negative press surrounding the 1997 vintage. It boasts an opaque dense purple color in addition to a gorgeously sweet, expansive perfume of cedar wood, black currants, lead pencil, and minerals. What follows is a fat mid-palate, medium body, explosive fruit and richness, soft tannin, and a velvety texture. It is a beautiful, compelling Lafite-Rothschild that can be drunk young, yet promises to evolve for 15+ years. Although one of the most forward Lafites ever tasted, it is all the more captivating because of this characteristic. Don't miss it!

robert_parker95

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind in Bordeaux against other First Growths. Nose is dumb at this primordial stage, but a most concentrated palate with dense blackcurrant and cedar. Layers of cassis. Quite approachable with tobacco notes. Marvelous 1997, probably the best of the First Growths and already accessible at this early stage. Tasted February 2000.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind as a vintage comparison at the Valandraud vertical, the 1997 Lafite-Rothschild appears to be a wine that sparkled in its youth, but is not maturing with the grace and style of other vintages after almost 20 years. It has a well-defined bouquet with crushed strawberry, wet sand and light tobacco notes that gradually unfurl. I appreciate the precision here - typical Lafite-Rothschild. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry, a little foursquare with some dryness towards the attenuated finish. It feels bound together by the fine thread of acidity, yet the long and short of it is that while its descent will be gradual, it will not repay continued bottle ageing. Tasted December 2016.

vinous88

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 1997 Lafite-Rothschild is certainly one of the better First Growths of this somewhat maligned vintage. Gravel, pencil shavings and light tobacco notes furnish the mature nose that is open-knit and perhaps missing some vigour. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins, balanced and conveying some of Lafite's elegance, yet it does taper quickly on the finish. Tasted at a private dinner in Bordeaux.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Very good deep red color. Complex aromas of black cherry, currant, chocolate, herbs, licorice and tobacco leaf. Fairly sweet and dense on the palate, with very good concentration and firm acidity for the year. This is aged in 100% new oak, but the wood is very much in the background. Finishes very long and subtle, with excellent grip and a suggestion of earthy terroir