Tasting Notes:

99 points Decanter

This is compelling, with a bright, forward currant fruit that is opening well now to show the nuance of game, earth, and gunflint to the ripe, dark fruit. The texture is tannic and fresh, with tannins starting to loosen but still in evidence. A luminous, radiant wine that will doubtless improve for another half-century. The vintage saw a solid flowering and fruit set and a warm July, but cool, rainy weather in August slowed ripening. The sun returned for most of September, but there was a bit of rain in the last week, although fine weather returned in October. At Lafite, 38% of the grapes went into the grand vin, a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot – more of this last and less Merlot than customary. From 1996 forward, the percentage of Cabernet was higher than it had been hitherto. (Drink between 2022-2082) (CC)

97 points James Suckling

The beauty and balance of this are phenomenal. Seamless tannins and fruit. Full body yet so balanced and refined. Sweet tobacco and berries. Minerals and cedar. A beautiful wine. The depth is superb. Drink now.

97 points Vinous

The 1996 Lafite-Rothschild is the strongest wine from the First Growth in that decade. This bottle, served blind and ex-château in Bordeaux, is so precociously backward that I estimate it to be half its age. Blackberry, cedar and graphite are here as usual, though this bottle has even more intensity than the one served at the estate in 2018. The palate is brilliantly balanced with fine tannins and very intense graphite-infused fruit; there’s just a touch more fruité on the finish. Superb. (Drink between 2025-2065) (NM)

Cult Wines International Notes:

Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the most famous and prestigious wine estates in the world, located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. It holds the highest rank as a Premier Cru Classé, aka First Growth in the official 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The estate’s history dates back to the 17th century, but its rise to global prominence is largely credited to the Rothschild family, who acquired it in 1868.

Nestled in the heart of Pauillac, the vineyard benefits from a distinctive blend of gravel, clay, and limestone, creating a terroir perfectly suited for Cabernet Sauvignon. The 112-hectare estate, divided into distinct parcels, includes the prized hillside vineyards contributing to the Grand Vin and the Carruades plateau, source of the second wine, Carruades de Lafite. This terroir contributes to the wine’s signature characteristics: a powerful but refined structure, layers of complex aromas including cassis, cedar, and graphite, and a silky texture.

Lafite Rothschild employs meticulous winemaking practices, including the production of their own barriques in their cooperage, ensuring the highest quality standards are met at every stage.

The Grand Vin: Château Lafite Rothschild, the estate’s flagship wine, is renowned for its elegance, complexity, and remarkable aging potential. This iconic Bordeaux blend, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibits exquisite aromas of cassis, cedar, and tobacco, evolving with grace over decades.

Carruades de Lafite: Carruades de Lafite, their second wine, offers a more approachable and immediate drinking experience while maintaining the high standards of quality associated with the Lafite name.

Bottle Size:

750mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Top shoulder fill level. Label has some condensation stains as shown. Import label is ripped and partially missing as shown. Capsule is tight and without corrosion. Cork shows evidence of shrinkage. This is illustrated in a dedicated photo included in this listing. Therefore, we would recommend using a Durand to uncork this bottle.

The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.