Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2021

Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1er Grand Cru Classé, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 2021

Grapes: A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, 110ha vineyard on deep gravel & sand over limestone, 40 year old average vine age, in conversion to organic farming (some biodynamics in use), yield 33hl/ha, aged 18 to 20 months in 100% new barrels.

Producer Tasting Note:

Deep red colour. The nose is still dominated by fresh fruit and elegant toasty notes. On the palate, an immediate sensation of power, without any excess, follows a fleeting vivacity. The freshness of the finish, the grain of the tannins and the velvety woodiness suggest great ageing potential.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Flowers, blackberries, charcoal, cigar box, black currants, spice, cedar, graphite and tobacco come through on the nose with a bit of coaxing. On the palate, the wine offers a pure expression of red fruits, black cherries, spice and a touch of orange rind, along with boysenberry, licorice and red plums on the backend. This is an elegant, regal, classic style of Lafite Rothschild that will age and evolve quite well. The wine is complete from start to finish and was produced from blending 96% Cabernet Sauvignon. 3% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. 12.6% ABV, 3.9 pH. Drink from 2032-2060."

97/100 points, Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider, May 2022

"Deep crimson hue. Customary elegance rather than power. Perfumed nose, attractive fruit and a surprising density of tannin (15% press wine to bolster the structure). Quite discreet and measured in its form but good length and should improve further in bottle"  Drink 2030-2050

17.5++/20 points, James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com, May 2022

"To my palate, the 2021 Lafite Rothschild has emerged as the finest of the Pauillac first growths this year. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark minty berries mingled with notions of iris, licorice and cigar box, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a velvety attack that segues into an elegantly dense and structured mid-palate that's nicely framed by sweet but abundant tannins, concluding with a long, penetrating finish."  Drink 2031-2065

96+/100 points, William Kelley, WINE ADVOCATE, February 2024 

"A year requiring a balancing act, where navigating the September rains was essential to time the harvest perfectly. Only half a vat of Merlot—sourced from the Carruades plateau—was selected for the blend. Consequently, the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon approaches 100%. In the glass, it is a "great wine"—less fleshy than other vintages, yet noble, upright, and highly elegant. High-class oak notes complement fresh small red and black fruits and violet in a distinguished bouquet. The wine's density and strength make themselves felt right from the attack, driving a powerful yet fresh palate that runs straight and true, framed by fine-grained, tightly knit tannins. The finish is long, fresh, and delicate—truly memorable."

2 Stars (Out of 3) "A Remarkable Wine", Le Guide Hachette des Vins, 2025

Food Match: Pair with steak, roast British beef and strong English cheeses!