1987 Château Lafite Rothschild
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Tasting notes
I would not be surprised to see this wine fill out with several additional years in the bottle, largely because Lafite is a notoriously bad performer in the first few years after bottling. Out of cask, the 1987 was the most complex wine I tasted from this vintage, but now, the nose seems only a fraction of what it was from cask. The lead-pencil, vanillin-scented, leafy, cedary bouquet is just beginning to emerge. In the mouth, the wine is light, displaying a soft, supple texture, some acidity, but little tannin. It will probably improve, and may ultimately merit a higher score. Anticipated maturity: Now-1999. Last tasted, 10/90.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Buttery, spicy wood tones accent the modest cherry flavors. A good Lafite to drink now through 1996.--Lafite Rothschild vertical. James Suckling, Wine Spectator 1991
A soft charcoal-scented nose followed a classy palate that is approaching the end of life. Blackberry and coffee-tinged on palate but a short finish. Very brusque, lacking the charm of Mouton-Rothschild 1987. Drink up. Tasted September 1998. Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com
I would not be surprised to see this wine fill out with several additional years in the bottle, largely because Lafite is a notoriously bad performer in the first few years after bottling. Out of cask, the 1987 was the most complex wine I tasted from this vintage, but now, the nose seems only a fraction of what it was from cask. The lead-pencil, vanillin-scented, leafy, cedary bouquet is just beginning to emerge. In the mouth, the wine is light, displaying a soft, supple texture, some acidity, but little tannin. It will probably improve, and may ultimately merit a higher score. Anticipated maturity: Now-1999. Last tasted, 10/90. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
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.