Bordeaux 2020: The Wines of Domaines Baron de Rothschild
11 June 2021
This is another spellbinding range of Domaines Baron de Rothschild wines. Under the stewardship of Jean-Guillaume Prats and Eric Kohler the bar has been raised yet again. There’s such classical elegance to these wines. Whilst Lafite is undoubtedly profound and concentrated, it also displays a haunting, ethereal quality and a masterful tannic profile laced with complex nuance. As Neal Martin asserts, this is a wine of “unerring balance and harmony”, likely to “soar after 10 years in the cellar”. Please note, Lafite will be subject to our allocation process.
Equally noteworthy are Evangile and Duhart Milon. The latter, from the croupes of Pauillac, is very much a mini Lafite in style and stature – a wine of refinement and nobility. DBR’s chateau in Pomerol is also on fine form. This admirable terroir at the heart of the plateau has produced a scintillating 2020, which has received high praise from all the critics. There’s a muscularity and structure to the flamboyant, perfumed fruit, which is very impressive. It comes with a “Don’t miss it!” warning from Antonio Galloni. Read More
Lafite Rothschild
“Rather ethereal and so refined with finesse, focus and brightness that provides incredible energy and pedigree. It’s full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that go on and on. Superb presence with tannins that melt into the wine. This is 12.8%. I love the wine. Lots of dark fruit and fresh tobacco. Lead pencil, too. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 1% petit verdot.” 99-100/100 - James Suckling
“The 2020 Lafite-Rothschild is much more intense and complex compared to the Carruades this year. This First Growth bursts from the glass with beautifully defined blackberry and wild strawberry scents laced with sprigs of wild mint and juniper berries. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins that frame the pixelated black fruit. This is quintessential Lafite in that it is not a powerful or immensely structured wine, but rather a First Growth with unerring balance and harmony, one that is unashamedly classic in style. There is just the right amount of dryness on the finish to urge you back for another sip. So Lafite it has its name tattooed onto its DNA. It will begin to soar after 10 years in the cellar. Drink 2030-2070.” 96-98/100 - Neal Martin, vinous.com
“Displaying a deep purple-black color, the 2020 Lafite Rothschild takes a little swirling and coaxing to unlock scents of freshly crushed blackcurrants, boysenberries and spiced plums, followed by emerging nuances of red roses, raspberry preserves, underbrush and unsmoked cigars, with a waft of cedar chest. The medium-bodied palate is an exercise in elegance and finesse, featuring tightly wound layers of red and black berries and loads of mineral sparks, framed by finely grained tannins and well-poised tension, finishing with fantastic length and the most stunning perfume. Magnificent achievement. This 2020 is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, coming in at 12.8% alcohol and a pH of 3.9. Drink 2028-2063.” 96-98/100 - Lisa Perotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
L’Evangile
“This is so floral and pure, showing crushed-grape character with some walnut and crunchy seeds. It’s full-bodied, juicy and fresh. Purity of fruit. Juicy and long. 88% merlot and 12% cabernet franc.” 98-99/100 - James Suckling
“The 2020 L'Évangile is fabulous. Aromatic, deep and fleshy, with magnificent purity of fruit, L'Évangile dazzles right out of the gate. Bright Franc aromatics add striking lift as well as vibrancy that carries through to the long, delineated finish. There is an energy to the 2020 that is palpable. Harvest for the Merlot began on September 3, ahead of a heat wave that was forecast, and wrapped up on the 14th for the Merlot and the 21st for the Franc. That approach worked so well here. In the past, L'Évangile and Lafite-Rothschild were very different stylistically, but that seems to be changing now that Saskia de Rothschild is spending a great deal of her time in Pomerol with the new winemaking team. The estate, certified biodynamic as of 2021, has been pursuing a more refined approach for a few years, but 2020 is the first recent vintage where the personality of the year seems to have aligned especially well with the current thinking here. The 2020 L'Évangile is easily the most Lafite-like L'Évangile I have ever tasted. Don't miss it! 2030 – 2050” 95-97/100 - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“This 2020 blend of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc has an alcohol of 14.5% and a pH of 3.8. Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2020 L'Evangile rolls effortlessly out of the glass with notions of mulberries, black raspberries and stewed red and black plums, plus suggestions of Indian spices, dusty soil and violets with a touch of iron ore. The medium to full-bodied palate possesses compelling freshness and a fine-grained texture to support the muscular black and red fruits, finishing long and earthy. Drink 2026-2050.” 96-98/100 - Lisa Perotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
Duhart Milon
“This is so refined with beautiful currant, berry and some subtle chocolate and coffee. It’s full and very subtle with fine tannins that have a long finish. Such purity and finesse with structure. Fresh and savory. 72% cabernet sauvignon and 28% merlot.” 95-96/100 - James Suckling
The wines listed are abroad and are expected to ship late 2023.