Ratings & Tasting Notes:
98 points Wine Advocate
Review Date: 05/2011
A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 should have been purchased before it began to soar in value because of the significance of the number 8 in the Chinese culture (denoting good luck). Representing 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, I doubt it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). (RP)
97 points Wine Enthusiast
Review Date: 04/2011
Elegance in a glass, this is very upright in structure with enticing acidity and black berry fruits. It has weight as well as richness. No question about the aging potential of this superb wine. *Cellar Selection* (RV)
96 points Decanter
Review Date: 10/2024
A pronounced nose of menthol and forest floor unveils dark cherry and blackcurrant, seasoned with thyme and savoury leather. The palate reveals tar, leather, and blackcurrant, presenting itself as comfortably drinkable yet still holding a hidden grip. Gentle and elegant, with a chocolatey texture that caresses the pure, intense cassis; it is complex and extremely long. This wine still has decades ahead. Tasted from magnum. (SW)
Cult Wines International Notes:
The 2008 Château Lafite Rothschild represents a fascinating chapter in the history of one of Bordeaux’s most storied First Growths, marking a year where meticulous vineyard management triumphed over a challenging climate. The estate’s lineage is legendary, with records of viticulture on the site dating back to the 14th century. However, its modern prestige was solidified in 1868 when Baron James de Rothschild purchased the property, ensuring the “Lafite” name would remain synonymous with elegance and the unique gravelly terroir of Pauillac. As part of the Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), the winery has maintained a reputation for producing wines of incredible longevity and finesse. The 2008 vintage holds a special place in the house’s history not only for its quality but also for its cultural impact; to celebrate the estate’s growing relationship with China, the winery added a small red Chinese character for “eight” to every bottle, making it one of the most sought-after collector’s items in the world.
The 2008 growing season in Pauillac was a dramatic test of patience and technical skill, characterized by a cool and damp start that initially caused concern among the region’s vignerons. A wet spring and a relatively mild, overcast summer meant that ripening progressed slowly, requiring the vineyard teams to perform intensive canopy management and green harvesting to prevent disease and ensure the fruit received maximum exposure. The vintage was saved by a “miraculous” late season; a period of magnificent, dry weather beginning in mid-September provided the sunny days and cool nights necessary to push the Cabernet Sauvignon to full maturity. This late-season surge allowed the grapes to develop deep phenolic complexity and concentrated tannins while preserving a high level of natural acidity. The resulting harvest yielded a wine of classic proportions, defined by the “steel-fist-in-a-velvet-glove” structure that has allowed the 2008 vintage to age with exceptional grace.
Bottle Size:
750 mL
Storage History:
Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.
Condition:
Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.
Outstanding condition.
