1998 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac

Representative blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

Average production: 17,000 cases of Grand Vin and the same of Carruades de Lafite

Classified as the `first of the Firsts` in the 1855 Classification, Lafite may be the most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon based wine in the world. Situated on a wonderful gravel `croupe` at the northern extremity of Pauillac on the border with St. Estèphe, the perfect gravel terroir yields wines of unique perfume and personality vintage by vintage. While lighter in body than Latour, situated at the other end of the Pauillac appellation, Lafite has an equally remarkable ability to age gracefully for decades.

Tasting Note

Serena Sutcliffe, MW: Every single time I taste this wine, I am aware of its greatness – power, class, nobility and yet with the utter finesse of Lafite. Dense and thick with damson flavours – I have always thought it eternal. At 13 years old, the bouquet was all deep aromatic intensity and spiciness. Terrific Cabernet Sauvignon depth and concentration on the palate. ‘Grand vin’ of the first order. I do not find the mint now, replaced by black cassis, dimension and, finally, attack, proving that it has a long way to go – not that I would turn it down now…..It is truly a knock-out. Again, at a 2009 dinner in Hong Kong, a glorious spicy nose, like the smell of Christmas pudding cooking! Huge black cherries and liquorice taste. Perfect composition, bursting with fruit and health. Big impact wine. 10/09