Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2025 En Primeur - 99 points - Best of the bunch!

There are some wines which need no introduction to connoisseurs. Unless you've been hiding under a rock somewhere in the back of beyond, you probably know that this "First Growth" has been top of the wine collectors' tree for as long as its been produced, and has been classified, since 1855, as one of the top wines of Bordeaux, hence, of the whole wine-making world. If you've been lucky enough to taste some (in the wine trade), or even better, to be able to drink it, you're in a tiny minority of people who have experienced such quality. It's hard to put into words the sensational feeling of such a polished, luxurious wine on the palate until you've tried some. There are many other wines which reach this superior level of aroma, flavour and texture complexity, but Lafite has achieved such a high critical reputation, probably started by Robert Parker in the 80's with his perfect "100 point" score for the chateau's 1982 vintage, that, for most of its production, the wine never makes it onto the general retail market when it's actually ready to drink.

So, if you'd like some of this (only) 99 point rated vintage, you'll need to be quick. Stock availability is extremely limited. Be prepared to wait patiently for many years for this glorious wine to reach its drinking window, but the wait will surely be rewarded.

So, what do the critics say about the 2025 today?

"Deep dark ruby garnet, opaque core, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. Floral touch, delicate roses, dark wild berries, candied violets, delicate licorice, some velour, multi-faceted, inviting bouquet. Juicy, elegant, red cherries, delicate redcurrants, fine, silky tannins, a hint of lime, salty minerality, delicate, full of finesse and long-lasting, sure maturity potential. Lafite absolu."

99/100 points, Peter Moser, FALSTAFF, May 2026

"Cuban cigars, cedar, crème de cassis, blackberries, flowers, espresso, and forest leaves set the wine's perfume. Refined, elegant, precise, and pure, the fruit tastes as if it were just pulled from the vines. Expressive, vibrant, long, and packed with blackberries, currants, Indian spices, tobacco, and marine influences, the seamless, graceful finish does not want to quit, passing the 60-second mark with ease. One of the most important parts of the growing season took place starting in June and running through July 10. Climatically, it was hot and dry. The midsummer rains following that dry period provided much-needed nourishment, aiding ripeness and contributing to the style and success of the vintage. The wine is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. 12.5% ABV. Picking took place September 2 - September 20. Yields were low at 27 hectoliters per hectare. 48% of the harvest was placed into the Grand Vin. Drink from 2032 - 2075."

99/100 points, Jeff Leve, THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER, May 2026

"The 2025 Lafite-Rothschild was cropped at 27 hl/ha between September 2 and 20. Eric Kohler mentioned that, unlike 2022, it underwent a longer maceration than usual because, after 24 days, he felt the wine was at ease with itself and there was no excess. That comes through completely on the deliriously intoxicating nose, replete with nuanced blackberry, bilberry and estuarine scents, all beautifully defined and seamlessly integrated with the 90% new oak that is made from Lafite’s own cooper. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiselled tannins. It is blessed with extraordinary harmony and it is so well balanced that you almost overlook the weight and minéralité towards the finish. Just a dab of graphite lingers on the aftertaste. This is a very succinct and refined Lafite-Rothschild that I suspect will drink earlier than the 2022, yet will age with equal grace in bottle. I admit that, upon returning to my car, it was only then that I realised what a brilliant wine the 2025 Lafite-Rothschild is destined to become."

(98-100)/100 points, Neal Martin, VINOUS, 2026

I could have included many more reviews with similar scores but, you get the picture, it's a brilliant wine!

2025 Chateau Lafite Rothschild

To sum up - Classic "Left Bank" Pauillac
A superlative expression of Cabernet Sauvignon
One for the cellar and considerable future enjoyment

Yours for £2082 (6 x 75cl case). Order here

Price excludes duty, VAT and delivery.