CHATEAU LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD 1er Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2004 Bottle (losn)

Description

IN BRIEF
Château Lafite Rothschild, classified as a 1er Grand Cru Classé in the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux Classification, is a renowned winery located in the Pauillac appellation. Known for producing exceptional red wines, the estate primarily uses Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, across its 112 hectares of diverse soils, which contribute to the wines' complexity. Lafite wines are celebrated for their elegance, finesse, and remarkable aging potential, typically displaying refined aromas of blackcurrant, red fruit, lead pencil, and cedar. The 2004 vintage has received accolades, including 96 points from Wine Enthusiast and 95 points from The Wine Advocate, making it an exceptional choice for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a truly exquisite experience in Bordeaux winemaking.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Château Lafite Rothschild, classified as a 1er Grand Cru Classé (First Growth) in the renowned 1855 Bordeaux Classification, is one of the most prestigious and sought-after wineries in the world. Situated in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, Lafite Rothschild has a legacy that spans centuries, with a history of winemaking excellence that has set the standard for fine wines globally.

The estate is primarily known for its exceptional red wines, crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with significant portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The vineyard spans approximately 112 hectares and features a diversity of soils, including gravel, clay, and limestone, which contribute to the complexity and character of its wines.

Château Lafite Rothschild wines are celebrated for their elegance, finesse, and remarkable aging potential. The winemaking process involves meticulous vineyard management, selective grape harvesting, and careful vinification practices, including fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aging in new French oak barrels. This attention to detail ensures that each vintage reflects the essence of the terroir and the unique characteristics of the grapes.

On the nose, Lafite wines are typically characterised by refined aromas of blackcurrant, red fruit, lead pencil, cedar, and a hint of floral notes. On the palate, they are known for their smooth texture, balanced acidity, and well-integrated tannins, leading to a long, lingering finish. The wines often exhibit complexity that evolves beautifully with time, making them highly coveted by collectors.

Château Lafite Rothschild's 1er Grand Cru Classé status solidifies its reputation as a benchmark for Bordeaux wines, and it remains a symbol of luxury and sophistication in the world of fine wine. Its vintages are highly sought after and can age gracefully for decades, making them a prestigious addition to any wine collection. Whether enjoyed young or after years of maturation, Lafite Rothschild delivers an unparalleled tasting experience that reflects the artistry and tradition of Bordeaux winemaking.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 96 points
Yes, there is power to this wine. But more than that, it exudes authority; a dense and solid wine with an impressive presence and texture. It has a velvet mouthfeel: the tannins are dusty and mineral, alongside fruit flavors of ripe black plums and dark figs, leavened with fresh acidity. The potential, of course, is there: 20 years if you can wait. — Roger Voss

THE WINE ADVOCATE 95 points
Drink Date: 2020 - 2050
The 2004 Lafite-Rothschild appears to be another late-bloomer in the sense that this 12-year-old bottle is the best I have tasted, implying an upward swing in quality. It has a wondrous bouquet, very sensual and pure with blackberry, graphite and cedar - all the hallmarks of Pauillac, delivered with great panache. It is more opulent than I recall. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins, pitch-perfect acidity and a beautiful structure. There is a regal sense to this Lafite, understated compared to the other First Growths and yet the persistence on the finish deserves a round of applause, especially in the context of the vintage. This is superb and could possibly turn out to be the pick of the Firsts. Tasted September 2016.

VINOUS 93 points
Medium ruby-red. Scented nose offers plum, mocha, licorice, graphite, flowers and tobacco. Suave, silky and fine-grained, with lovely inner-mouth aromatic character and energy. Perfumed flavors of redcurrant, minerals and cedar. Finishes very long and firm, with terrific grip for this mostly gentle vintage. - Stephen Tanzer

DECANTER 93 points
Tasted by: Charles Curtis MW
(at Atlanta, 22 Mar 2024)
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2055
The 2004 Lafite is indisputably a classic claret with its blackcurrant fruit and hints of eucalyptus, cedar, leather and wood smoke. The texture is supple, elegant, and almost ethereal, and the combination impressed many of the tasters, although I took it down a peg for an apparent lack of concentration. The group rating, however, was just behind the Haut-Brion, and it is undeniable that this will be a long-lived wine and should age gracefully for decades to come.

JANCIS ROBINSON 18 points
Deep garnet. Marked and attractive herbaceous freshness on the nose. Even a touch of capsicum. Very little tertiary character showing. Similar on the palate, really quite cedary and herbaceous – not unripe but quite the opposite of super-ripe. But all this adds up to great freshness, tannins that are fine and dry, and a long, dry yet rather gentle persistence. (JH)

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ABOUT CHATEAU LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD
Château Lafite Rothschild, one of the most prestigious wineries in Bordeaux, France, is celebrated for its exceptional wines and rich heritage. Established in the 17th century, it holds the esteemed classification of Premier Cru Classé (First Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, reflecting its long-standing reputation for quality and excellence.

Located in the Pauillac appellation, Château Lafite Rothschild spans approximately 100 hectares of vineyards, predominantly planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The estate benefits from a unique terroir characterized by gravel, clay, and limestone soils, combined with the region's maritime climate, providing ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The meticulous vineyard management emphasizes sustainability, ensuring the health of the vines and the quality of the grapes.

The winemaking process at Château Lafite Rothschild is marked by precision and a commitment to tradition. Grapes are hand-harvested, ensuring selective picking of only the finest fruit. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel and oak vats, allowing for careful monitoring of extraction and flavor development. The wine is aged in French oak barrels, typically for 18 to 24 months, resulting in a harmonious integration of oak characteristics.

Château Lafite Rothschild wines are renowned for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. With layers of dark fruit, refined tannins, and a distinctive minerality, they are highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Iconic vintages, such as those from 2000, 2005, and 2010, are particularly celebrated for their exceptional quality and longevity.

Under the stewardship of the Rothschild family, Château Lafite Rothschild continues to blend tradition with innovation, producing remarkable wines that embody the spirit of Bordeaux. It stands as a symbol of the artistry and heritage of fine winemaking in France.