1966 Château Lafite Rothschild
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Tasting notes
Insanely good for an almost 60 year old wine. The clarity of expression starts right from the colour, which is vivid ruby, still with plenty of depth through the centre. Tertiary character on the palate, white truffle, leather, soy, brambled blackberry fruits, laced through with fresh mint and slow but steady lift. Standout wine of the lineup. In 1966, Château Latour was owned by a consortium of British shareholders, primarily the Pearson Group, along with Harveys of Bristol and the family of the 2nd Viscount Cowdray. The estate director was Jean-Paul Gardère, working alongside Henri Martin - and together the two men were responsible for much of the replanting programme in the vineyards during the 1960s, as well as introducing second wine Les Forts de Latour in this vintage of 1966. Harvest September 25 to October 10.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild has always been one of my picks from this decade, rivaling even the slightly under-par 1961. This is a decent bottle, though it comes across as somewhat untamed on the nose compared directly with the 1952. Dark black fruit, cedar and pencil-shaving aromas develop with time. But the palate is refined and an archetypal Lafite, unapologetically four square and correct with a touch of pepperiness on the low-key finish. Yet you keep coming back for more. Drinking perfectly now, although I know there are better bottles out there. Tasted at the Lafite-Rothschild vertical at Ami restaurant in Hong Kong.
The 1966 Lafite-Rothschild is a wine that I have tasted twice before and it remains one of my favorite vintages from the period, even though as the Four Seasons First Growth dinner illustrated, not every bottle hits the spot. This bottle in Hong Kong ranks amongst the best that I have ever encountered. I notice quite wide bricking on the rim but it is clear in color. The bouquet is gentle, clean and pure, almost Burgundy-like in style: a divine perfume that might lack the horsepower of the 1966 Latour, yet is classically styled and disarmingly detailed. The palate is medium-bodied, with a satisfying weight in the mouth. Self-aware that it does not have to exert too much to satisfy, the 1966 delivers an entrancing piquancy toward the finish. It benefits from aeration, gaining weight and density and after a couple of hours in the glass, it is overflowing with vigor and tension, whilst upholding its classical personality. It is just a beguiling old school Pauillac, no more, no less. Tasted at the Lafite-Rothschild dinner at Amuse Bouche in Hong Kong.
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.