2015 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2015 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
Embarking upon a tasting of the 2015 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild presents a remarkable foray into one of Pauillac's most stellar vintages in recent history. The year was marked by a temperate growing season and an untroubled harvest, allowing the estate's meticulous viticultural practices to shine. This vintage is particularly esteemed for its balance, exhibiting exceptional harmony between power and elegance.
Finesse and Structure: A Paragon of Investment Potential
The expanse of the Chateau's vineyards across the Pauillac appellation allowed for a meticulous selection of grapes that resulted in a blend which resonates with the sophistication of the terroir. Discerning investors will appreciate how this vintage epitomises the stature of fine wine that not only promises gradual maturation but also encapsulates a moment in time within each bottle.
An Ode to Complexity and Craftsmanship
The 2015 Lafite Rothschild burgeons with an aromatic complexity where dark fruits intermingle with whispers of pencil lead and charming spice. Upon deigning to taste, it unfurls with a layered textural complexity—a tapestry woven with robust tannins and sleek acidity—leading to a persistently gracious finish. It's a wine poised for longevity; holding within its depths an evolving narrative yearning to unfold over time.
A further testament to this vintage's calibre is the assured precision found in every aspect—from the hand-picked selection of berries to the judicious, although sparing, use of new oak (an estimable 40%), which furnishes structure without overpowering the wine's inherently eloquent fruit core.
In Summation: Discernment and Patience Rewarded
The sagacious collector or investor pondering their next addition may find in the 2015 Lafite Rothschild an asset of indulgent promise. It is quintessential Bordeaux—a synthesis of time, terroir, and tenacious dedication to the craft. Each glass holds not just wine but a story waiting to peak at just the right chapter—a narrative wherein patience undeniably reaps richness.
Current market price
$10,160.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
338.33
Scores and tasting notes
Here is a Lafite with lots of muscle and tone. Very tannic and velvety textured.. Full body, fresh acidity and a bright finish. Shows a tenderness at the end. Gorgeous.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
A wine that has divided opinions in 2015. What some people see as greenness, I regard as freshness and balance. This is elegant and harmonious, but doesn’t lack stuffing, carrying its 100% new oak with ease. Graphite, blackcurrant and cedar wood are underpinned by chalky minerality. Drink: 2022-30
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
The deep garnet-purple shaded 2015 Lafite Rothschild is blended of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot and was matured for 20 months in new oak barrels from Tonnellerie des Domaines (their own cooperage). It is still sporting a lot of cedar at this nascent stage with a vibrant core of black raspberries, red currants and crushed plums plus touches of cigar boxes, violets and underbrush with a waft of tilled loam. Medium-bodied and elegantly styled with wonderful freshness and depth, it is compellingly earthy/minerally in the mouth with a frame of seductively silky yet very firm tannins and culminating in a very long, racy and pure finish. Boasting spectacular finesse and packed with nuances, clearly, given some of the challenges here in 2015, this is a masterpiece of diligence in the vineyards, careful selection and very clever crafting—bravo!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018
The 2015 Lafite-Rothschild is a blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot picked between 17 September and 6 October. Matured in 100% new oak, it has a tightly-wound bouquet with black cherries, cassis, cedar and graphite, though it does not quite possess the depth one would have expected the vintage would have bestowed. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, harmonious on the entry and with the oak neatly integrated. There is a very fine grip towards the finish, which has a tangible spicy edge - white pepper with a touch of bay leaf and enough pencil lead to fill a stationery set. The aftertaste is extremely long here, more than a minute when I timed it on my watch. It is an excellent Lafite-Rothschild in the making and it often "finds its voice" only after bottling, so it could ultimately end with a higher score.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
91% Cabernet Sauvignon picked 23 September to 6 October; 9% Merlot picked 17-23 September. Lustrous mid crimson. Lightly spicy nose and very smooth tannins in the Lafite style. Only just enough acidity. Blurry impression. Mild and charming - very restrained and Lafite. It builds on the end in an impressive manner.
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com