Château Lafite-Rothschild 2014

Tasted with head winemaker Eric Kohler, the 2014 Lafite-Rothschild has retained that very opulent and outgoing bouquet that, dare I say, actually reminded me of Mouton-Rothschild. There are layers of blackberry and boysenberry fruit, still that hint of juniper berry; certainly a more extrovert Lafite-Rothschild compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins, very focused and quite linear, again with plenty of black fruit laced with cedar and tobacco. It begins to clam up toward the saline finish, suggesting it will need several years in bottle, but I still have high expectations for this First Growth once it has had several years in bottle.

Reserved for now, but the core of cassis, bitter plum and raspberry coulis flavors is pure and energetic, while extra black tea, iron and singed alder notes fill in steadily through the finish. This has a very focused, streamlined feel overall, yet there's serious depth for the cellar. Best from 2020 through 2035. 16,000 cases made.

Fragrant and deeply herbal, a mixture of fresh and savoury. Clean and clear, immediately quite zingy with acidity to the fore and while this doesn't get any weightier, and is definitely not plush, it continues the same initial flavour from start to a long finish. Keeps direction and definition, finessed and so well delivered. Balanced and harmonious, it's not shouting as Lafite never does, but this maintains a well proportioned expression and you feel like you could drink this now as well as age it further – it's almost timeless in that aspect. Slightly grainy, mineral-edged tannins on the finish. Structured despite being quite light. I love it.

The aromas of stones, oyster shell, blackcurrants and mushrooms are very intense. Full-bodied, dense and powerful with lots of blackberries. Great finish. Super energy and depth. Try in 2022. Fascinating.

Dark fruits, Cuban cigar wrapper, spice, cedar and wet forest scents open the wine. Elegant, fresh and sweet, the wine has put on weight during its aging time. The tannins are silky, the wine is fresh, pure and clean. The finish has energy, length and purity. For Lafite, this will drink well young, but by young, that means you still need to wait at least 20 years. A difficult vintage because of the various levels of maturity. This resulted in a lot of sorting, which made the effective yields lower than in most vintages.

Deep ruby, purple rim, closed-cool nose, cassis-driven bouquet, hint of mint, blueberries. Dense, firm, creamy palate, plenty of Cabernet spice, slightly floral, firm fine tannins, juicy, delicate contours, good acidity, regal finesse.

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc. Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Dense, compact bouquet, holding many dark aromas. However, it has (far) too little primary fruit and you almost have to imagine the aromas coming from underneath, with the Cabernet Sauvignon showing a fairly floral character. Where has the usual Lafite sweetness on the nose gone? On the palate, the tannins strike a compromise! On the one hand, they show some of Lafite’s finesse; on the other, they display the very classic tannic structure of the vintage. The finish then brings out the black-berried aromatics. It strongly reminds me of its own 2001. I rated that one quite a bit too low at first. And if that’s the case here, it could still gain a point over the next 15 years. Not a Lafite for the impatient. And not (any longer) for speculators. This show is definitely over!

(87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc) Concentrated, fresh, elegant, complex bouquet: black berries, currants, noble woods, fine herbs, truffle. Concentrated, tightly woven, elegant palate with dense fruit, plenty of fine tannins, a varied, powerful aromatic profile, multilayered, finely muscular structure, very long, dense, refined finish with many lingering flavors. Still has room to improve. 18/20 2023 - 2045

Fine swirls of gunsmoke on the first nose, totally enticing, very much in control, with mouthwatering salinity, fine tannic structure that initially masks the build up of power and concentration, with an expansion through the mid palate of raspberry, cassis, rose petals and tobacco leaf. One of those sapid, mouthwatering, moreish Lafites that beg to be drunk, but are deceptive because will continue to develop over the next decade, then hold on for another two or three. It's delicious, not the most luscious 2014, but elegant and on point.

Deep garnet-brick in color, the 2014 Lafite Rothschild seems a little tired and tobaccoy, with a core of cassis, baked plums, and leather followed by hints of anise and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate is chewy, with evolving black fruit and a savory finish. Tasted blind with the Southwold Group in London in February 2024.

Of immense pedigree, with a very elongated palate, perfectly coated. The tannin grain is impressive, and the slightly peppery finish is spectacular.

An inviting, approachable nose that begins to express itself more after a decade. Notes of wild strawberry, cranberry, and fig chutney, along with a mysterious touch of Aleppo pepper, rise from the glass. On the palate, the wine soothes and releases all tension: it feels like sinking into a plush, silk-covered banquette, or floating weightless in a pool of water. The flavors are so refined and so well integrated that they become inextricable. Lafite’s inimitable character is unmistakably there!

Ruby red with purple highlights. Elegant, filigreed, complex bouquet. Great finesse in the fruit. Blueberry, cherry, a lactic note. Smooth, fruity attack, quite seductive. The body has richness and volume, with beautiful aromatic intensity and perfectly integrated tannins. The acidic structure ideally supports the fruit and promises a bright future. The various components clearly need to evolve, but the substance present is exceptional. The acidic structure holds the fruit. Magnificent harmony. A great wine.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Fresh, fruity, and slightly discreet nose. Silky, juicy palate with a fine touch and an overall rather airy feel. Although it appears light, the wine shows greater depth on the finish. Fine tannin. Good length. Blend: 87% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 3% cabernet franc.

97–99. Barrel Sample. A great wine, this Lafite has great power and richness as well as a wonderfully elegant touch. It is dark and brooding on the one hand and fresh in black currant fruit on the other. Woody tones support the superb fruits and complement the texture.