Chateau Lafite Rothschild   Lafite Rothschild

2014 Lafite Rothschild

By Chateau Lafite Rothschild

2014 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The 2014 vintage in Bordeaux was a study in resilience and precision, culminating in a selection of wines that display remarkable structure and sophistication. Among these is the 2014 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, where the confluence of cautious optimism and diligent viticulture yielded a wine that whispers elegance rather than demanding attention.

 

Eloquence in a Bottle: The 2014 Vintage Refined

The season’s narrative was composed of an early bud break followed by cool, sometimes wet, summer days which tested the mettle of Pauillac's vineyards. However, an Indian summer - a serene twist of fate - swept through the region, gracing the grapes with optimal ripening conditions. This timely intervention is etched into every sip of the 2014 Lafite Rothschild, with its poised tannins and harmonious blend of acidity.

 

Decoding the Nuances of Pauillac Terroir

With a nose that conjures blackcurrant, pencil lead and subtle hints of cedar wood, this offers a gateway into classic Lafite Rothschild aromatics enhanced by the distinct climatic journey of 2014. On the palate, one uncovers layers of dark fruit balanced delicately with floral notes – a testament to both its esteemed terroir and steadfast winemaking. This release reflects its lineage with finesse, showing affinities with excellent past vintages while charting its own course.

A wine such as the 2014 Lafite Rothschild challenges the investor and collector to consider not just the prestige of a grand name but also the lyrical narrative told by its vintage's conditions. Therein lies its investment potential: it is not merely another impressive bottling from Chateau Lafite Rothschild but a storied encapsulation of time and nature’s serendipitous partnership.

 

An Investible Masterpiece from Bordeaux

As one examines wine investment prospects, it would be remiss not to contemplate the artistry embodied within the 2014 Lafite Rothschild. Its complexity and balance hint at excellent ageing potential, promising to evolve gracefully over time. For collectors and investors alike, it represents an illustrious addition to any portfolio. Indeed, few pleasures can compare to witnessing such an exquisite testament to resilience transform within the cellar's quiet cloister.

In concluding thoughts on this vintage from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, one must highlight its terrific poise – an essential attribute for wines that will undeniably charm palates now and for years to come. To imbibe the 2014 Lafite Rothschild is to engage in a dance with history; each sip resonates with echoes from a year when Pauillac's vines stood resilient against capricious skies.

Market price (HKD)

HK$63,318.15

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

368

Scores and tasting notes

97-98

No tasting note available.

James Suckling - Jamesuckling.com (04/2015)

97

No tasting note available.

Tim Atkin - TimAtkin.com (04/2015)

94-97

No tasting note available.

Wine Spectator - The Wine Spectator

94-96

No tasting note available.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate

95

The 2014 Lafite-Rothschild, tasted with head winemaker Eric Kohler, has retained that very opulent and outgoing bouquet that dare I say actually reminded me of Mouton-Rothschild. There are layers of blackberry and boysenberry fruit, still that hint of juniper berry, certainly a more extrovert Lafite-Rothschild compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, very focused and quite linear, again with plenty of black fruit laced with cedar and tobacco. It begins to clam up towards the saline finish, suggesting that it will need several years in bottle, but I still have high expectations for this First Growth once afforded several years in bottle.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2017

17.5

No tasting note available.

Jancis Robinson - JancisRobinson.com

Vintage performance