Chateau Lafite Rothschild   Lafite Rothschild

2016 Lafite Rothschild

By Chateau Lafite Rothschild

2016 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux

As one of the quintessential estates of Pauillac, Chateau Lafite Rothschild asserts its eminence with the 2016 offering that intriguingly encapsulates an exceptional climatic narrative. The vintage was marked by a remarkably wet first half and a gloriously sunny second, culminating in a harvest that speaks of balance and precision – a juxtaposition mirrored in the resulting wine. This serendipitous interplay of elements adorns the 2016 vintage with a allure distinct from its predecessors.

 

Impeccable Lineage, Exceptional Pedigree

The 2016 Lafite Rothschild stands proud with an immediate burst of aromatic complexity where dark fruits interlace with earthy undertones and hints of pencil shavings – quintessential Pauillac. The palate reveals an enthralling tension between the classic structure indicative of its lineage and the vintage’s characteristic vibrancy. Tannins are assertive, yet polished and graceful, forecasting a wine with immense potential for maturation.

 

A Vintage Synonymous with Investment Calibre

In the echelons of fine wine investment, the 2016 iteration from Chateau Lafite Rothschild resonates as a robust contender. Over time, exemplary vintages like this have garnered formidable reputations for delivering substantial returns to sagacious collectors. This year is poised to follow suit; investors pay heed to the ripples this 2016 Lafite Rothschild is bound to make in the market as it evolves in the coming decades.

Encapsulating both freshness and robustness, this wine presents as one engineered for longevity. It beckons aficionados to witness its evolution while promising investors anchored stability amidst their portfolios of liquid luxury.

Summarily, this illustrious bottle shrugs away regality to reveal a soulful reflection of its terroir during a year of extremes. Such harmony within dissonance reaffirms that the 2016 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild is not merely an emblematic libation but a testament to Pauillac's undying finesse in face of nature’s caprices – making it an essential for connoisseurs and investors alike.

Current market price

£6,580.00

12x75cl

Highest score

100

POP score

329

Scores and tasting notes

100

Even stronger and more toned than the excellent 2015, this Lafite shows incredible power yet also finesse. Full-bodied, superfine and chewy wine. Muscular yet agile. Goes on for minutes. Stunning. Perhaps the greatest Lafite since the legendary 1959?

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2017

99

The 2016 Lafite Rothschild is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, with 15% of the press wine contributing to the blend this year. Deep purple-black in color, it slowly reveals the most gorgeous perfume of kirsch, lilacs, black raspberries and warm blackcurrants with underlying nuances of cigar box, rose hip tea, cloves, licorice and pencil lead plus a waft of garrigue. Medium-bodied and built like a brick house with a firm yet beautifully ripe, finely pixelated tannic backbone and seamless freshness supporting the amazing intensity of black fruits and floral layers, it finishes very long and provocatively perfumed.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018

18

Very rich, dense dark crimson. Not much nose, just a vague impression of quality lurking beneath the super-subtle aroma. Round texture, tannins are in a very low register indeed. Then I'd love to see just a little bit more energy. Round and it may all get together. A really rather delicate Lafite. Nothing in excess; it's true and very classic claret - very Lafite - but arguably just a little muted. 

Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com

Vintage performance