Lafite Rothschild 2011

Pauillac, First Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2011 Lafite-Rothschild is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot with an alcohol level of 12.6%. It has wonderful purity on the nose with blackberry, cassis, raspberry, a touch of graphite and an attractive floral note. It is feminine and beguiling. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins on the entry, crisp acidity, very harmonious and alluring with blackberry, raspberry and a saline touch towards the long caressing finish. It is a more sensual Lafite that I was expecting, with great persistency and poise. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 93 - 95

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 30 April 2012

A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot (harvested between September 3-21), the 2011 Lafite Rothschild came in at 12.6% natural alcohol (considerably lower than in 2010 and 2009). Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple color, lots of crushed rock, red and black currant, forest floor and underbrush characteristics, moderate tannin and medium body, it is built somewhat along the lines of the 1999 and 2001. It should be a 20- to 25-year wine, but it is not at the level of the 2008, 2009 and 2010. Fresh acids give the wine a somewhat more clipped feeling than most great Lafites have exhibited. Nevertheless, there is a lot of freshness and vibrancy to this vintage.

Score: 90 - 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 27 April 2012

80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Deep dark crimson with rich purple rim. Delicate, pure cassis dark fragrance, the merest hint of oak spice. Tannins are a conundrum, feeling dense and savoury at first and then gliding over the finish line. Polar opposite of Mouton style. (JH) 12.8%

Score: 18 - 19

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2020-2040 16 April 2012

Dense black-red, lovely fragrance yet still very firm, a seriously classic Lafite, very long term.

Score: 18 - 19

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2020-2050 16 April 2012

Still tightly wound and very restrained, but there's a serious well of black plum and macerated currant fruit in reserve, held behind substantial but well-ripened tannins and a strong chalk and iron note. There's a nice austerity to the very driven mineral finish. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 93 - 96

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 11 April 2012

A bit chewy but shows an impressive intensity of spice, sweet tobacco, and currant character. Full, dense and structured. Muscular for the vintage for Lafite. Tobacco box aftertaste. Some wet earth too.

Score: 94 - 95

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2012

Dark blackish crimson. The first cedary note of the tasting! Pauillac-like on the nose. A bit wimpy on the palate compared with what I expected from the nose. Smoothed but not terribly flavourful on the palate. A bit dull but tannins are better managed than those many wines where they are too dry so it has the opportunity for greater improvement. (JH)

Score: 92 - 95

Albany Vintners, - 01 January 1900