When we last tasted at Lafite, we were disappointed with the 2011 vintage as the wine was awkward and surly: blackly fruited and ferociously structured; showing none of the charm for which this chateau is so famous. Two weeks on and Lafite has blossomed into a silky, sweet, polished princess. The wine has softened, showing a nice bit of baby fat; the fruit has taken on a sweeter character AND it is charming! Charles Chevalier, Director of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), said that the final blend was only assembled a couple of weeks before the primeur tastings and agreed that it wasn't showing well but today it is wonderful, easily an 18 pointer and if it continues on its current trajectory will be among the best wines of the vintage. As Charles pointed out “that’s why we age the wine”.