Lafite Rothschild (Ex Chateau) 1982
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Lafite Rothschild (Ex Chateau) 1982
HED24035
75 cl
12%
£2,870.00
Taxes included.
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The iconic Château Lafite Rothschild was one of only four wine-producing properties awarded First Growth status in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. The estate is blessed with a unique terroir near in the northern part of Pauillac, close to the border with Saint-Estèphe. This is the 1982 vintage of its flagship wine, a blend composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. This was a standout vintage of superb quality throughout Bordeaux, with ripeness levels not seen for many years.
98 Robert Parker
The 1982 Lafite Rothschild is at the peak of its powers today, and the two bottles I drank this year were both exceptional. Wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries and blackcurrants mingled with notions of cedar chest, cigar box, camphor and dried flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with an effortlessly elegant, harmonious profile and a long, fragrant finish. While this is far from being the most powerful Médoc of the vintage, it is among the most pleasurable. — William Kelley, 30th December 2022
98 Vinous
The 1982 Lafite-Rothschild is more backward on the nose compared to the '82 Mouton served alongside, more tertiary in style, with just a hint of liquorice and a subtle, almost algae-like scent (actually quite like spirulina). The palate has exquisite balance and poise, very pure and tensile with a lightly spiced, harmonious classical finish. Understated in typical Lafite fashion but a joy from start to finish. Tasted single blind at the 1982 dinner at Cornus in London. — Neal Martin, 2nd December 2025
98 Jane Anson
As is often the case with Lafite, this was the most reserved of the five 1855 1st Growths on opening, showing rose petals and finessed red fruits. It then performed a sleight of hand in the glass, slowly but surely building in concentration and pleasure, layering tobacco, slate, smoked earth, sweet blackberry puree, pencil lead, oyster shell and mint leaf. I last tasted it two years ago, and it has barely budged since, suggesting that there remains many decades ahead. Effortlessly drinkable, a vintage that more than lives up to the legend. Estate director Jean Crété recorded that it was aged in 'primarily new oak', although was not more specific than that (somewhere north of 70-80% is likely). 40hl/h yield, around 10% higher than average, with harvest beginning on September 16, the same date as in 1976. Baron Eric de Rothschild owner, and this was the last year with Emile Peynaud as consultant. Charles Chevallier would also join the following year, in 1983, as deputy technical director. — Jane Anson, 25th October 2023
18 Jancis Robinson
The left bank 1982 first growth deliberately chosen to be served first at this Room to Read dinner because it is generally the lightest of them.
Mid blackish ruby with a pale rim. The first bottle was uncomfortably tart, the second one decidedly fruitier though still obviously fairly light bodied, very Lafite in its ethereal bouquet but on the palate it really grew into a sweet representative of the vintage. If this had been the climax of a well-planned meal (rather than being trumped in terms of body by its peers) I would have been delighted. On the nose there was definitely something stony and it just got more and more charming in the glass for up to an hour and then started to fade. (I thought of its fan the late Michael Broadbvent MW who would have laid his watch next to the glass.) But it’s a bit silly that this wine is so much more expensive than the other first growths – about £2,500 a bottle. Blame the Chinese. (JR) — Jancis Robinson, 10th February 2026
Mid blackish ruby with a pale rim. The first bottle was uncomfortably tart, the second one decidedly fruitier though still obviously fairly light bodied, very Lafite in its ethereal bouquet but on the palate it really grew into a sweet representative of the vintage. If this had been the climax of a well-planned meal (rather than being trumped in terms of body by its peers) I would have been delighted. On the nose there was definitely something stony and it just got more and more charming in the glass for up to an hour and then started to fade. (I thought of its fan the late Michael Broadbvent MW who would have laid his watch next to the glass.) But it’s a bit silly that this wine is so much more expensive than the other first growths – about £2,500 a bottle. Blame the Chinese. (JR) — Jancis Robinson, 10th February 2026
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Chateau Lafite Rothschild
An Iconic First Growth
A highly-coveted First Growth from Pauillac, the estate boasts a fascinating history that can be traced back as far as 1234. Spanning 110 hectares, Château Lafite Rothschild produces a legendary first wine, Lafite Rothschild, showcasing beautiful aromatics and an extraordinary capacity to age; a superb second wine, Carruades de Lafite, and Légende de Pauillac.
Located at the northerly boundary of Pauillac, adjacent to Saint-Estèphe, the Château 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.
