2008 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2008 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 2008 vintage from the hallowed halls of Chateau Lafite Rothschild embodies a narrative of tenacity and excellence. It stands as a testament to the meticulous cultivation that defines Pauillac's limestone-rich terroir. In this particular annum, climatic caprices cast an intriguing prelude to harvest, yet the outcome is nothing short of vinous poetry.
Resilience and Refinement: A Collector's Highlight
Against a backdrop of an erratic growing season with episodes swinging from parched spells to deluges, Chateau Lafite Rothschild’s skilled vintners harnessed these trials to yield grapes of optimal ripeness and nuanced character. By virtue of their profound expertise, the 2008 Lafite Rothschild encapsulates the resilience of both vine and vigneron, culminating in a wine that resonates with sophisticated investors and connoisseurs alike.
A September to Remember
The 2008 vintage witnessed a September that saved many Bordeaux estates. A late flourish of sun bestowed a vital lifeline, allowing for elegant phenolic maturity - the harbinger of classic longevity in bottle. In glass, this 2008 Lafite Rothschild unfolds with regal poise; cassis and graphite commingle with whispers of violet and dark cherry - all underlain by an earthy complexity that only Pauillac can articulate with such finesse.
Sublimely textured with balanced tannins, this vintage dances between power and grace. Its integrity is unassailable, suggesting remarkable potential for cellaring. Investment-wise, the 2008 slips seamlessly into portfolios, promising incremental value appreciation as its narrative matures alongside its tannins.
In summary, the 2008 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild endures as a paragon of its exceptional harvest year - despite or perhaps due to - the climatic hurdles it deftly overcame. As nature posed her challenges, the winemaking alchemy within the depths of Chateau Lafite Rothschild’s estate spoke a more triumphant tale: one where struggle transmutes into splendour, yielding an undoubted gem for both the glass and the investment ledger.
Current market price
$13,048.92
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
434.28
Scores and tasting notes
A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 should have been purchased before it began to soar in value because of the significance of the number 8 in the Chinese culture (denoting good luck). Representing 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, I doubt it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). The 2008 should be relatively drinkable in 6-10 years as it is already showing remarkable complexity and breed, and will last for 30-35 years...at the minimum.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 1 May 2011
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. Pick of the First Growth’s perchance? The 2008 has a beautiful classic Pauillac nose with pure blackberry, graphite and sous-bois aromas that demonstrates supreme great intensity and delineation. The palate is very structured, complex with very fine and rigid tannins. There is a beguiling sense of symmetry and focus here with great persistency on the finish (which has an almost Saint Julien-like personality). Very sophisticated. Tasted January 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Mar 2012
Minerals, tar and sous bois with dark fruit. Sweet tobacco. Black licorice. Full and chewy with lots of fruit but very reserved. So much mineral and sweet tobacco. It is all there. Give it four to five years of bottle age before beginning to explore the wine.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, December 20th 2010