In Bond Fine Wine. 1994 Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. First Growth • Red Bordeaux in 12x75cl. Top critic score: 90/100 (RP). Drinking window: 2024–2044. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
One of the most sought-after & powerful brands in the world of fine wine. First Growth Chateau Lafite Rothschild is a Bordeaux icon, renowned for its elegance, quality & longevity, favouring restraint and finesse over sheer power. Lafite is globally renowned with particularly strong demand across all markets, notably Asia - especially China, where it became a symbol of status and luxury during the 2000s. Landmark vintages like 1996, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2010 & 2016 continue to reinforce its reputation for quality & technical excellence with subtlety, ageability & authority. Its second wine, Carruades de Lafite, is also in high demand across international markets.
James Suckling (JS) — 93/100 · Wine Spectator, 31/01/1997
A luscious Lafite that is silky and elegant with layers of wonderful violet, berry, cherry and chocolate flavors. It's full-bodied, with racy, refined tannins and good length. Drinkable now, but best from 1999 and through another decade. 18,750 cases made.
Robert Parker (RP) — 90/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 28/02/1997 · Drink 2010-2030
Because Lafite-Rothschild (1) tends to lack the weight of many wines of the northern Medoc, and (2) is never a flashy, ostentatious style of wine, it is often more difficult to evaluate when young than some of its neighbors. Made from nearly 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this dark ruby/purple-colored wine is stubbornly backward, unappealing, and severe and astringent on the palate. There is plenty of…
Neal Martin (NM) — 92/100 · Vinous, 2024-06-06 · Drink 2024-2044
The 1994 Lafite-Rothschild is served from a large format whisked straight from the château. Perhaps that goes some way to explain the impressive showing. Very youthful in hue, it has a captivating bouquet with black fruit infused with cedar and melted tar, kind of old school but in a positive way. The palate is medium-bodied and surprisingly muscular for a Lafite, with plenty of black fruit inter…