Chateau Lafite Rothschild   Lafite Rothschild

1995 Lafite Rothschild

By Chateau Lafite Rothschild

1995 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The symphony of the 1995 vintage from the storied halls of Chateau Lafite Rothschild resonates with an intensity that has carved itself into the pantheon of Bordeaux's finest hours. As a wine critic with many vintages under my belt, the 1995 Lafite Rothschild stands as a testament to the exuberant potential that Pauillac can achieve in a year when nature and human craftsmanship unite in near-perfect harmony.

 

Quintessential Character: A Vintage That Speaks Volumes

The '95 season blessed the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild with a generous climatic disposition, propelling this Pauillac to capture the region's illustrious signature with grace. This extraordinary year bore a crop that has since matured to exhibit an exquisite marriage of vigour and refinement. Investment interest in wines like the 1995 Lafite Rothschild rests on their ability to articulate not just the flavour and spirit of their terroir but also to encapsulate their vintage's unique character in a bottle.

 

Profound Elegance and Balanced Complexity

Tasting the 1995 Lafite Rothschild now, it unfurls an intricate bouquet laced with dark berries, cedar, and a hint of fresh tobacco—savoury suggestions that evoke Pauillac’s earthbound muse. On the palate, it reveals layers upon layers; cassis entertwined with subtle hints of oak-ageing that only decades can impart. Each sip promises an evolving narrative, defined by supple tannins and expertly preserved acidity. The finesse across this vintage showcases Bordeaux’s skilled juxtaposition of power with poise.

As fine wine investors continue to seek out laudable vintages for their portfolios, the 1995 Lafite Rothschild should be seriously considered. Not just for its storied heritage or its flawless artistry in the glass—both undeniable—but for its capacity to signify an era for Pauillac that many connoisseurs gleam back on with affectionate regard and anticipation for future maturation.

In conclusion, one finds oneself ruminating over the enduring legacy of such vintages; those like the indelible 1995 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild prove time and again that they are far more than luxuries—they are living artefacts of culture and history, profoundly woven into the fabric of fine wine investment narratives.

Market price (HKD)

HK$50,490.00

12x75cl

Highest score

95

POP score

352

Scores and tasting notes

95

The 1995 Lafite-Rothschild (only one-third of the harvest made it into the final blend) is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. The wine was showing spectacularly well when I tasted it in November, 1997. It exhibits a dark ruby purple color, and a sweet, powdered mineral, smoky, weedy cassis-scented nose. Beautiful sweetness of fruit is present in this medium-bodied, tightly-knit, but gloriously pure, well-delineated Lafite. The 1995 is not as powerful or as massive as the 1996, but it is beautifully made with outstanding credentials, in addition to remarkable promise. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2028.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 22 February 1998

93-95

Tasted several times: still closed when tasted blind in 2001, feminine in 2003 when it was just lacking that degree of complexity for a truly great Lafite. Then at the CECWINE vertical in September 2004. A moderate ruby hue. Very fresh, floral nose. Quite minerally, becoming dominated by cassis with aeration with a touch of mocha. The palate is feminine, elegant with a citrus freshness and good acidity. Medium-bodied. Light-weight for a First Growth and lacking persistency and length on the finish. A featherweight Lafite. Finally at the Lafite vertical in December 2005. A very deep garnet core. The nose is still very masculine: pencil lead, blackberry, black cherry and a touch of smoke. Much more typicity than the 2000. The palate has good structure, excellent acidity. Very minerally, liquorice and burnt toast. Very fine definition and good weight. Superb balance and poise. This is an archetypal Lafite this is just getting into its stride. Fresh, crisp finish with a touch of green pepper from the Cabernet Franc.

Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal

Vintage performance