Château Lafite Rothschild, 1er Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2010
What can one say about Lafite that hasn't already been said? This is the market leader, the luxury wine, the must-have brand. The 2010 completes a splendid trio. 2008 is a thoroughbred, 2009 is epic; 2010 is a mythical blend of the handsome classicism of the 08 and the raw power and intensity of the 09. Sounds good doesn't it? Well it is - it's spectacular. Brooding, reserved, with hints of liquid minerals, herbs, cut violets, crème de cassis, gravel and griotte. The palate is packed with layers of complex fruit and a real crescendo of mineral notes; a symphony of savoury and sweet berry flavours. It is a big wine, but it possesses a regal, understated power and precision. A picture of refinement and class. The finish is exceptionally long and is sumptuously framed by smooth, honed tannins. Imperial. 87.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12.8% Merlot.
critic reviews
Perfectly captures the Lafite mix of delivering concentration wrapped up with delicacy and slow-build construction, with the tannins showing a scraping, chalky minerality at first and then widening out through the mid palate to reveal a creamier edge. Cut herbs, liquorice, fennel, cassis, bilberry, loganberry, cigar box, incense. More closed than the 2009, as you would expect, but this is right up there with the greatest wines of the vintage, and one that you will be able to pick out of a cellar in 30 years time without the slightest worry. Brilliant. 100% new oak for ageing, from their own DBR Lafite cooperage. And once again, having this wine among the rest of the lineup during a comparative tasting is so instructive in terms of understanding the extra depths that you get from Lafite.
The 2010 Lafite-Rothschild has a vivacious bouquet with feisty red berry fruit laced with kirsch, blueberry and subtle blood orange aromas that soar from the glass. There is no ignoring these aromatics. The palate has a soft, fleshy entry that caresses the senses, quite plush and more like a 2009 in style. Layers of red and black fruit vie for attention, leading to a sensual rounded finish. Excellent, but I just would have preferred more grip and backbone. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.