Lafite Rothschild 2004

Château Lafite-Rothschild 2004 is a mature-vintage Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. Located at the northerly boundary of Pauillac, adjacent to Saint-Estèphe, the First Growth of Lafite Rothschild is one of the world`s most illustrious wine producers. The estate`s vineyards are broadly split into two parcels. one which supplies the bulk of the grapes for the Grand Vin and a second parcel that is used to produce Carruades de Lafite. Vineyard plantings are around 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. "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." Wine Advocate, 2017