Vintage 1982
A.O.C. Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Lafite Rothschild is under the guidance of Baron Eric Rothschild and the down-to-earth winemaker Charles Chevalier who has positioned this great château as one of the finest estates on the planet. A world famous brand, steeped in history and tradition that commands great respect and prices.
Lafite is the largest of the first growths, built upon the fine gravel soils and sand of the Haut-Médoc. It comprises three major vineyard sites: the hillsides around the Château, those adjacent to the Carruades plateau to the west, and those neighbouring Saint-Estèphe. There is little or no application of chemical fertilisers, and sparse use of organic fertilisers.
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“This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. This classic Lafite is not as fat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the 1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same.” Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (Jun 2009)
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