1988 Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac

“Born in an era of 'classic Lafite,' as described by Saskia de Rothschild, the 1988 vintage – now with more than three decades under its belt – still showcases a vibrant ruby colour with just a hint of garnet. Notes of leather and forest floor overlay a great depth of dark berries and plum, alongside savoury spices on both the nose and palate. Extremely complex with pronounced tertiary characters, yet vibrant acidity still shines through, revealing its persistent power. Chocolate and menthol-seasoned cassis continue to resonate. Tasted from magnum. (SW)” (10/2024)

“The 1988 Lafite-Rothschild is the best of the triumvirate that ended the decade. Another bottle vindicates that view. It shows an intense bouquet with graphite-tinged black fruit mixed with cedar aromatics that seem to effortlessly cruise as Lafite is wont to do. The palate is beautifully balanced and blossoms in the glass. The 1988 has svelte, finely chiseled tannins. Tobacco notes appear towards the finish. (NM)” (02/2024)

“Served from magnum, tasting delicous right now. I've had this vintage a few times recently and it is not the most blockbuster Lafite, but has such an effortless charm that it feels absolutey signature. Tobacco, rose petals, suble charred cedar and grilled cocoa, with loganberry and raspberry fruit. Does that Lafite trick where it is utterly gulpable and so enjoyable, and it just subtly keeps on delivering new moments of complexity and understated power.” (06/2022)

“I always loved the 1988 and this is a pretty bottle with finesse and wonderful length, showing the uniqueness of Lafite. Medium body, ultra-fine tannins and a refined and polished finish. The subtle currant, tobacco and Spanish cedar shows through here. Perfect now.” (06/2021)

“Tasted seven times since bottling with consistent notes. Broodingly backward and in need of considerable bottle age, the 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. This deeply-colored wine exhibits the tell-tale Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, minerals, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavors and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! (RP)” (10/1994)

“Beautiful and subtle on the nose, with mineral, berry, licorice and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a pretty balance of fruit and mint. Long and caressing. Real claret here. Everyone talks about 1989, but this is very close in quality. (JS)” (06/2009)