Château Lafite-Rothschild--Vintage 1996
3 magnums per lot
Château Lafite-Rothschild--Vintage 1996 Pauillac, 1er cru classé Tasting Note: There are some cellars I feel able to taste in, but Lafite is not one of them (too cold), so the first whiff of the '96 was en passant before dinner at the château. I merely and inadequately noted that it was deep, complete and had good length. Next, a couple of years later, it was showing very well at the MW tasting of '96s in November 2000: still plummy and immature; more earthy than expected but fragrant and with depth. On the palate, crisp, lovely flavour and length. Last noted at Rodenstock's blind tasting of first-growth '94S, '95s, '96s and '97s. Slight bottle variation. Both bottles (of the '96) with opaque core, the first a bit vegetal though a classic Cabernet; rather raw; the second seemed to have better fruit, tannin and acidity. I was interested to note, when all have been revealed, that the average score of the pretty experienced tasters only slightly varied, ranging from 92 to 95 points, most 93 and 94. Lafite was the later though my own rating was one point less. As so often, a wine that needs time, and patience. Last tasted March 2001. **** M.B. 3 magnums per lot
Château Lafite-Rothschild--Vintage 1996
3 magnums per lot
Château Lafite-Rothschild--Vintage 1996 Pauillac, 1er cru classé Tasting Note: There are some cellars I feel able to taste in, but Lafite is not one of them (too cold), so the first whiff of the '96 was en passant before dinner at the château. I merely and inadequately noted that it was deep, complete and had good length. Next, a couple of years later, it was showing very well at the MW tasting of '96s in November 2000: still plummy and immature; more earthy than expected but fragrant and with depth. On the palate, crisp, lovely flavour and length. Last noted at Rodenstock's blind tasting of first-growth '94S, '95s, '96s and '97s. Slight bottle variation. Both bottles (of the '96) with opaque core, the first a bit vegetal though a classic Cabernet; rather raw; the second seemed to have better fruit, tannin and acidity. I was interested to note, when all have been revealed, that the average score of the pretty experienced tasters only slightly varied, ranging from 92 to 95 points, most 93 and 94. Lafite was the later though my own rating was one point less. As so often, a wine that needs time, and patience. Last tasted March 2001. **** M.B. 3 magnums per lot
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
