Château Lafite Rothschild, 1er Cru Classé, Pauillac,

There is a sense of discretion to this Lafite, full of pencil lead, crayon, chalk-textured minerality, clear grain and grip to the tannins that lets everything unfold slowly and calmly, no drama and yet a slow-building sense of power. Enjoyable precision and chiseling to the spiced cassis and bilberry fruits, this feels supremely Lafite in its balance and finesse. The tight structure relaxes in the glass, adding a layer of creaminess to the blackberry and loganberry fruit. A large majority of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend, and it takes up its dominant role with grace. Brilliant quality. Harvest September 19 to October 7. Lafite always takes its time to show its full potential, and this could easily be a 100 point wine at the 10 year-plus window.

The 2019 Lafite Rothschild is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep purple-black in color, it needs a lot of swirling to start to unravel notes of black cherries, boysenberries, and crushed blackcurrants, followed by nuances of fragrant earth, iron ore, tree bark, and cumin seed with a waft of cloves. Medium-bodied, very elegant, restrained, and refined, the palate quivers with tension and shimmers with energy, with delicate fruit framed by firm tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long. This is one for the long haul.

The 2019 Lafite-Rothschild has a most earthy bouquet with warm gravel and black olive scents percolating through the black fruit. Warm bricks on a hot sunny afternoon. The palate is medium-bodied with gorgeous, saturated yet firm tannins that frame the layers of mineral-laden black fruit. This is a live wire, so tensile and focused towards the finish with a fabulously long aftertaste. Marvelous. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.