2024 Lafite Rothschild
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2024 Lafite has one of its highest-ever proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, at 96% (its 1961 was pure Cabernet after frost hit their Merlot). The nose is quiet at first, slowly revealing perfumed layers of graphite, iris, peony and blackcurrant aromatics. The palate revelas a wine of delicacy and finesse – with fine-textured, mineral tannins, seamless and feathered. Pure, long and fresh, with impressive persistence, it’s – unsurprisingly – one of the best results in Pauillac this year. Aged in 50% new oak, 12.9% alcohol and 3.8pH. Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
More reviews and scores
As to the Grand Vin, the 2024 Château Lafite-Rothschild is based on 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, resting in 90% new oak. It has classic Lafite aromatics of cassis, lead pencil shavings, and scorched earth, all leading to a beautifully textured, medium-bodied Pauillac with solid ripeness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length. It holds plenty of Lafite character while staying in the elegant, balanced, and moderately concentrated style of the vintage. I suspect it will be brilliant with just short-term cellaring, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve gracefully over a broad drinking window.
A more Burgundian vintage for Lafite, with cedar, graphite, paprika, white pepper and fresh red fruit. Nuanced and refined, with a medium body and understated fruit. Intensity and concentration. It shows the Lafite hallmark of elegance, with more fluidity and crunch this year. Very long and delicate. 96% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot and 1% petit verdot.
About the producer
Ch. Lafite Rothschild is one of the most famous wine estates in Bordeaux and the world. One of the Left Bank’s five First Growths, the Pauillac property is renowned for producing wines of finesse and elegance that age beautifully.