100
Jeb Dunnuck Tasting Note
On another level and one of the greatest young Bordeaux I’ve ever tasted, the 2016 Lafite-Rothschild is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot raised in new oak. It takes the classic elegance and class of Lafite and turns the dial up to 11, offering a massive, heavenly array of blackcurrants, cedar pencil, graphite, tobacco, and incense aromas and flavors that soar from the glass. Deep, full-bodied, and flawlessly constructed, with perfectly integrated fruit, acidity, and tannins, this is legendary stuff all the way. It will be drinkable in 7-8 years and keep for 50-75 years or more. Along with Mouton, it’s the wine of the vintage from the Médoc. Hats off to director Eric Kohler.
98
Wine Spectator Tasting Note
This offers the best of both sides of Pauillac, with a deep, deep well of dark currant, fig, blackberry and black cherry paste flavors forming a lush side while a series of I-beams made of graphite and iron provide the rigid structure. The two sides meld, pulling in extra sweet tobacco, smoldering cast iron, juniper and savory notes on the finish, leaving a mouthwatering feel. A real stunner. Best from 2025 through 2045. 16,000 cases made.
98
Vinous Tasting Note
The 2016 Lafite-Rothschild is polished, silky and captivatingly beautiful. There is a level of precision to the flavors that is simply mind-blowing. Even so, the 2016 remains ethereal and light on its feet, with all the grace of a ballerina. I imagine the 2016 will develop into a stunning wine once it comes together a bit more fully. Even so, it is striking today.
100
James Suckling Tasting Note
Graphite, cherries, tobacco and cedar on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, subdued and elegant, showing harmony, refined fruit, freshness and tannins that are polished and focused in the finish of generous, polished fruit. A beautiful, elegant, balanced Pauillac. Drinking exceptionally well now, but it will go on and on. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
98
Wine Advocate Tasting Note
The 2016 Lafite-Rothschild is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, picked from 23 September to 12 October with the Cabernet Sauvignon (and unused Petit Verdot). It has 13.3% alcohol, a pH of 3.65 and an IPT of 74. Matured in 100% new oak, it shows a fresh, vibrant bouquet while retaining the classicism of this First Growth. It is subtler than Mouton-Rothschild or Latour, as is always the case en primeur, yet there is a brooding intensity that draws you in as gorgeous blackberry and graphite aromas unfold. The palate is simply superb. It has more density, more vigor, more depth and arguably more ambition than the 2015 Lafite-Rothschild showed last year. It gently grips the mouth with unerring focus and symmetry, a touch of spiciness developing, with a long, saline finish that lingers two minutes after the wine has departed. Lafite-Rothschild always develops and betters in barrel during its élevage, and I suspect this will ultimately turn out to be a regal Lafite-Rothschild.