Château Lafite Rothschild 2016 is the Pauillac First Growth in a classic, cool-finishing vintage. Several leading critics gave it 99 or 100 points.
About This Wine
2016 began with a very wet spring, then a long, dry and sunny summer with cool nights, which kept acidity bright. The Lafite harvest ran from 23 September to 12 October. The final blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, around 13% alcohol, aged in 100% new oak. Critics praised its rare mix of density and finesse, with tight structure that needs time. Most drinking windows start around 2028 to 2030 and run for decades.
Tasting Profile
- Nose: Blackcurrant, redcurrant, cedar pencil, graphite, sweet tobacco and a floral lift
- Palate: Deep and full-bodied but fine-boned, with sweet cassis and blackberry, lacy tannins and fresh acidity
- Finish: Very long and saline, with cigar box, spice and lingering dark fruit
Serving & Food
Still very young. If opening now, decant for four hours and serve at 17 to 18°C in a large Bordeaux glass. Best from about 2030 to 2070. Serve with roast lamb, beef Wellington or aged Parmigiano.
How to Enjoy
Long-term cellaring, First Growth collections and wine lovers marking 2016 anniversaries.
Product Details
Producer: Château Lafite Rothschild
Country: France
Appellation: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growth), 1855
Vintage: 2016
Grape Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot
Ageing: 100% new oak
ABV: 13%
Format: 750mL
About the Château
Lafite was placed first in the 1855 classification and has belonged to the Rothschild family since Baron James de Rothschild bought it in 1868. The vineyard, just over 100 hectares, lies in three main blocks: the slopes around the château, the Carruades plateau and a small parcel in Saint-Estèphe. Soils are fine, deep gravel with wind-blown sand over limestone.
Technical director Eric Kohler oversees the wine. The grand vin is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, and the share has risen in recent years. Lots not chosen for the grand vin go into Carruades de Lafite.