Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2019

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "One of the greatest wines produced in Bordeaux this year is the 2019 Lafite Rothschild, an impeccably balanced classic of immense charm and grace. Wafting from the glass with arresting aromas of cassis, blackberries and cherries mingled with violets, cigar box and warm spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, its velvety attack segueing into a layered, concentrated mid-palate framed by exquisitely powdery tannins and ripe acids, and concluding with a long, perfumed finish. This rivals the 2010 and 2016 as the greatest Lafite of the decade, and of those three vintages, it's clearly the most sensual and demonstrative out of the gates. The blend contains fully 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and attained a modest 13.4% alcohol."

JAMES SUCKLING: "So much sweet tobacco, Spanish cedar, dried flowers, dark mushrooms and roses. Really aromatic. This is so polished and very powerful, yet ethereal and refined at the same time. The finish goes on for minutes. Tight and harmonious. You want to drink it! So balanced, yet it will age beautifully. It will be this good forever. 94% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Better after 2031."

WEINWISSER: "Für einen Liebhaber von gereiften Weinen ist es ein wenig überraschend, einen gerade jüngst lancierten Jahrgang als Weinerlebnis des Jahres zu nominieren. Andererseits bietet es die Chance, dass dieses wunderbare Genusserlebnis kein One-Hit-Wonder bleibt. Der junge 2019er Château Lafite Rothschild ist die Quadratur des Kreises, eine perfekte Synthese aus Burgund und Bordeaux – ein Musigny Grand Cru mit feinsten Bordeauxaromen. Absolut outstanding und bei jedem Schluck eine Sinneswelt für sich. Hochnobel; extrem fein, bisweilen zart gewoben und dabei mit einer Komplexität und Balance, die sprachlos macht. Trotz dieser sensiblen, feinen Art hat er Struktur, Energie und eine begeisternde Vitalität. Wein in Perfektion, der bereits jetzt – mit ausreichend Belüftung – zum sinnlichen Hochgenuss und zur Beschäftigung über Stunden einlädt. Ohne Wenn und Aber Höchstpunktzahl."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, dezente Randaufhellung. Ein Hauch von Nougat, reife Kirschen, ein Hauch von Cassis, frische Orangenzesten, ein Hauch von Edelholz, sehr einladend. Komplex, stoffig, reife schwarze Kirschfrucht, angenehme Fruchtsüße, seidige Tannine, frisch strukturiert, mineralisch, ein Hauch von Schokolade, bereits in diesem frühen Zustand ungemein verführerisch, große Länge, sicheres Reifepotenzial, ein Wein von enormem Charme und großer Finesse."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "A stunning example of Lafite Rothschild, the wine is deep, ruby in color. The attention seeking perfume serves up its Cuban cigar wrapper, roses, spice box, cedar, lead pencil and array of red fruits and blackberries easily. The most refined of all the First Growths, the 2019 is a modern version of classic Bordeaux at its best. Perfectly balanced, elegant, and deftly situated on the corner of power and harmony, the finish lingers and expands with its layers of sweet, fresh, pure, bright, crisp red fruits, spice, and herbs. The wine blends 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Patient consumers will be rewarded if they are willing to wait before opening a bottle. Drink from 2030-2065."

DECANTER: "An opulent and fruit-forward vintage for Lafite in 2019. Vivid purple colour in the glass with blackcurrant, cherry and milk chocolate notes. Gorgeous weight on the palate with such fine tannins and depth of flavour - not so much rich but driven, refined, elegant, almost refrained. Feels compact at first, settling to reveal layers of vibrant spiced fruit and and cooling menthol hints alongside clear graphite and wet stone that comes through clearly. Supremely balanced with an underlying mouth filling juiciness that offers finessed creamy fruit. Structured and well framed with a long life ahead. Drinking Window 2028 - 2050"

JEB DUNNUCK: "The Grand Vin 2019 Château Lafite Rothschild is based on 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot that hit 13.4% natural alcohol with a pH of 3.9. It's a pure, seamless, incredibly accessible Lafite offering a beautiful, classic array of ripe currants, spice box, tobacco, and classic Lafite sandalwood and lead pencil nuances. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced on the palate, it has a seamless, layered mouthfeel, just about perfect tannins, and a finish that just keeps you coming back to the glass. Despite the high pH, it remains fresh, lively, and a perfect example of the class this estate is known for. It's up-front and accessible (and I'd gladly drink a bottle), but smart money will hide bottles for just 5-7 years and enjoy them over the coming 30-40 years."

WINE SPECTATOR: " A very energetic wine, with wild loganberry, mulberry and black currant fruit flavors that bristle with mouthwatering bay leaf, licorice root and savory notes. The finish is tight now, with charcoal shadings and a smoldering cast iron note, but there's additional black tea, incense and floral hints for contrast. Dense and driven, with more than enough elements to match its energy, meaning this can cruise in the cellar for a long time. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2045."

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Weaker, more-evolved ruby colour than most. Interesting tobacco-leaf aromas. Sweet, dramatic, concentrated fruit initially, with a little chewiness and masses of freshness. Flattering, lots of detail and quite distinctive. Not as long as some."