Château Lafite Rothschild, 1er Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2015
We are huge admirers of Lafite and Duhart Milon. This is always one of the highlights of our primeur tastings, so we were slightly puzzled by the 2015s; Charles Chevalier's last vintage as technical director. Normally the wines have a gravitas, athleticism and muscularity, but these wines seem relatively delicate and floral with none of that brooding power. 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and just 9% Merlot makes up the final blend. This sleek, refined Lafite is rather atypical. There is a beautiful reserved bouquet of violets, roses, wild berries and minerals. It is difficult to assess as it is so taut and linear and slow to reveal itself. It is undoubtedly handsome with its restrained mineral infused fruit core and svelte texture. It is an understated example, and we feel it needs to put on weight during elevage to become an impressive Lafite.
critic reviews
The 2015 Lafite-Rothschild is slightly higher in tone than the Mouton-Rothschild on the nose, with scents of blackberry, iodine, cedar and crushed violet emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and harmonious, with plush tannins, a keen line of acidity, impressive grip and precision on the finish. This has gained complexity in recent years, hence my slightly higher score. Tasted at the 2015 Ten-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index and blind at Farr Vintners with consistent notes.
A softly fragrant Lafite that is delicate and finessed, hiding its concentration under a slow build through the palate. Fragrant, lace like tannins, cassis, bilberry, crayon, cigar box, showcases the way to weave through this ripe vintage while holding on to signature nuance. This is a Lafite that will grow into gulpable drinkability with another decade in bottle, and is already gorgeous, pure estate signature. If you are looking for a 2015 that is exuberant and overripe, look elsewhere.