1988 Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
96DC
96VN
95JA
94JS
94RP
94WS
$699.99
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96
Decanter
Reviewed October 2024Born 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)
Professional Reviews
96
Vinous
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)
95
Jane Anson
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.
94
James Suckling
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.
Notes
Château Lafite Rothschild is one of the five Bordeaux first growths and among the most famous and collected wines in the world. The vineyard covers 112 hectares and is well-drained and well-exposed, with soil made up of fine deep gravel, mixed with aeolian sand on a subsoil of tertiary limestone. The estate has a celebrated and prestigious history, dating back to at least the thirteenth century.
Details
| Origin | Pauillac, Bordeaux, France |
|---|---|
| Type/Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends |
| SKU | 950001 |