CHATEAU LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD 1er Grand Cru Classe, Pauillac 2014 Bottle

Description

CHATEAU LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD 1er Grand Cru Classe Pauillac 2014 is a poised and classically structured claret that reflects Pauillac precision and the estate's aristocratic restraint. The colour is deep garnet with a subtle brick rim that hints at the start of tertiary development. The nose is composed and layered, opening with blackcurrant and blackberry underpinned by cedar and tobacco leaf; as it evolves there are refined notes of graphite, pencil shavings and a whisper of crushed bay leaf, while faint traces of wet stone and iron add mineral clarity.

On the palate the wine displays an elegant tension between fruit concentration and tight tannic architecture. The texture is silky rather than overtly plush, with fine grained tannins that give backbone and length without astringency. Primary dark fruit of blackcurrant and plum is joined by savoury threads of cured meat, olive tapenade and black tea. Secondary impressions of cedar and clove from careful oak handling are integrated, serving to enhance complexity rather than dominate. Acidity is brisk enough to maintain lift and freshness, guiding the flavours to a long saline and graphite tinged finish that emphasises terroir and persistence.

The 2014 vintage at Lafite produced wines of clarity and elegance rather than sheer opulence, aided by a growing season that combined warm periods with cooling Atlantic influence at key moments of ripening. That tempering effect is evident here in the wine's aromatic restraint and energy.

This bottle is approachable now with decanting but will repay medium to long term cellaring as tertiary notes of leather, forest floor and truffle gradually harmonise with the fruit. Drink 2026 to 2045, peaking 2032 to 2040. Match with roast lamb, beef Wellington, mature hard cheeses or dishes that marry savoury depth with refined texture.

JAMES SUCKLING 98 points
The aromas of stones, oyster shell, blackcurrants and mushrooms are very intense. Full-bodied, dense and powerful with lots of blackberries. Great finish. Super energy and depth. Try in 2022. Fascinating.

DECANTER 98 points
Tasted by: Georgie Hindle Part of Bordeaux 2014 revisited 10 years on
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2046
Fragrant and deeply herbal, a mixture of fresh and savoury. Clean and clear, immediately quite zingy with acidity to the fore and while this doesn't get any weightier, and is definitely not plush, it continues the same initial flavour from start to a long finish. Keeps direction and definition, finessed and so well delivered. Balanced and harmonious, it's not shouting as Lafite never does, but this maintains a well proportioned expression and you feel like you could drink this now as well as age it further – it's almost timeless in that aspect. Slightly grainy, mineral-edged tannins on the finish. Structured despite being quite light. I love it.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 97 points
This is a major wine. It has enormous tension, structure and a core of dark tannins. Amid all this, the wine is also packed with fruit and concentrated blackberry and black-plum flavors. It will age slowly and steadily with its enormous structure and concentration. Drink this wine from 2027. — Roger Voss

THE WINE ADVOCATE 95 points
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Drink Date: 2024 - 2045
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.

VINOUS 95 points
The 2014 Lafite-Rothschild has an incredibly fruit-driven bouquet with layers of black cherries, cassis, raspberry preserve and menthol aromas all beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet core of intense red berry fruit laced with white pepper, sage and a hint of fennel. The balance here is exquisite and the manner in which it fans out on the final third is just glorious. You could actually broach this now, it is so drinkable, but it has the substance to suggest long-term ageing. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
Neal Martin

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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.