Wine Advisor
Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1976
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Description
Within the five rarefied first growths, Lafite is perhaps the wine with the best reputation for quality and longevity, commanding correspondingly high prices. It is considered by some to be the best wine to come out of Bordeaux. In 1815, Guillaume Lawton said of Château Lafite, “I consider it to be the the most elegant and delicate, with the finest substance of the three (Premier Crus). The location of its vines is one of the finest in the Médoc”. In 1855 the Château was ranked as a Premier Grand Cru in the famous classification that was prepared for the Universal Exhibition of that year. Lafite is also known as the ‘King’s wine’, after being introduced to the Court at Versailles by Maréchal Richelieu.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
A sublime mature Lafite-Rothschild that alongside the 1978 counts as the best of the decade. A mature brick core. The nose is leafy and herbaceous with a touch of cigar box and smoke: unmistakably Pauillac. The medium-bodied palate is mellow, natural, and harmonious with cedar, tobacco and a touch of leather. Though there is just a residue of fruit, this Lafite is still imbued with remarkable precision and focus. Good length. For those seeking traditional claret from the top-drawer. Must be wine of the vintage? Tasted November 2006. Drinking drink now-2015
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A Possible Legend Candidate The 1976 is an interesting prospect.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1976 Lafite clearly stands far above the crowd in this vintage. A beautiful bouquet of seductive cedarwood, spices, and ripe fruit precedes a very concentrated, darkly colored wine, with great length and texture. Some amber is just beginning to appear at the edge. The 1976 has turned out to be the best Lafite of the '70s. It is gorgeous to drink at present. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 9/96.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 1976 Lafite-Rothschild has for many years been the surprise of an otherwise tricky vintage. This bottle replicated the one I opened back in November 2006. Mature in colour with a wide brick time, the bouquet is open-knit with Montecristos, graphite and dried herbs. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, perhaps having lost some of its vigour in recent years, and yet with ample detail on the classically styled finish. Apart from large formats, there is no benefit from keeping bottles longer. Tasted at lunch in Hong Kong.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
This is the wine of the vintage. I love the rosewater, currants and citrus character to this now. It's still full body yet so ethereal. It goes on and on in the finish turning creamy and citrusy. From magnum.
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Package Size
1 x 75cl12 x 75cl
