2011 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2011 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Delving into the terroir-driven profundities of Bordeaux's esteemed classified growths unveils the uniquely compelling nature of the 2011 Lafite Rothschild. An unabashedly cerebral investment piece, this particular vintage from Chateau Lafite Rothschild speaks eloquently of the challenges and triumphs within an atypical year.
An Ode to Resilience and Mastery
The orchestration of climate and craft is always critical in Bordeaux, but 2011 was a year that tested the mettle of vintners with its capriciousness—walking a tightrope between ripe opulence and refined elegance, it demanded nothing short of vinicultural acumen. In 2011, Pauillac's grand narrative of power and poise was not written in the stars but wrought by human hands, most notably those overseeing the legendary parcels of Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
The Vintage's Voice
The 2011 Lafite Rothschild cascades into the glass with a regal yet restrained garnet lustre, presaging its storied pedigree. On the nose, it is reticent at first but rapidly unfolds to reveal a tapestry aromatic with dark fruits—I detect hints of cassis and plum—and these are interwoven with the classic Pauillac markers: graphite and cedar nuances that whisper rather than shout. As one decants and savours, tertiary notes begin to emerge; those earthy undertones synonymous with maturity.
On tasting, the wine articulates an exquisitely balanced narrative—fine-grained tannins support a core of fruit complexity while maintaining a lithe structure that promises further revelations upon cellar ageing. Acidity cuts through with precision, ensuring longevity and evoking the adroit handling of this more challenging season by the winemakers.
The finish resonates with subtle spices and a hint of oak-derived vanilla—a denouement that leaves an ineffaceable impression worthy of contemplation and certainly conversation amongst aficionados and investors alike.
For those whose savoir-faire guides them through the tapestries of time-worn cellars in search of oenophilic enlightenment or surety in investment merit, this claret stands as a testament to what can be achieved by one of Bordeaux's most storied estates in a year where intuition matched nature's whim step for step.
In summary, the investment potential and collector's allure, coupled with its expressive articulation of an atypical Bordelaise year, renders the 2011 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild a persuasive candidate for any discerning portfolio.
Market price (GBP)
£4,940.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
352.86
Scores and tasting notes
Love the nose on this, with sweet tobacco, delicate currant, cedar and blackberry. Full body with integrated tannins and a juicy, fruity, subtle finish. The texture to this wine is beautiful. Better than I remember from barrel. Try in 2019.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, January 28th 2014
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.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 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.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 25 April 2012