Château Lafite Rothschild
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend
Pauillac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
This bottle of 1976 Chateau Lafite Rothschild was cellared in a wine cave part of its life and a modern cellar the more recent part of its life. The fill for this bottle was mid-shoulder and the label had been tattered from back when it was in the cave. Using a Durand, I was able to pull the cork intact and it was saturated but seemed to have done its job. The color was good and the wine was sound; in fact, it was very much alive and full of character! Opened about four hours prior to service and decanted for sediment (of which there was plenty). No formal notes. At this stage in its life, the 1976 Lafite pours a garnet color with an orange rim. The nose is straight up old-money. Classy aromas of desiccated red cherries & red currants, dried tobacco leaf, graphite, a mix of organic and inorganic earth, leather and dried baking spices. On the palate, the structure was still quite palpable with tannins till present and acid doing its job with aplomb. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is long and graceful with some nice stoney minerals. Drink now but well cellared examples could hold longer if you wanted…but if you’re even thinking about it, just open it!
This bottle of 1976 Chateau Lafite Rothschild was cellared in a wine cave part of its life and a modern cellar the more recent part of its life. The fill for this bottle was mid-shoulder and the label had been tattered from back when it was in the cave. Using a Durand, I was able to pull the cork intact and it was saturated but seemed to have done its job. The color was good and the wine was sound; in fact, it was very much alive and full of character! Opened about four hours prior to service and decanted for sediment (of which there was plenty). No formal notes. At this stage in its life, the 1976 Lafite pours a garnet color with an orange rim. The nose is straight up old-money. Classy aromas of desiccated red cherries & red currants, dried tobacco leaf, graphite, a mix of organic and inorganic earth, leather and dried baking spices. On the palate, the structure was still quite palpable with tannins till present and acid doing its job with aplomb. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is long and graceful with some nice stoney minerals. Drink now but well cellared examples could hold longer if you wanted…but if you’re even thinking about it, just open it!
Jul 14th, 2023Fantastic! Aged leather, dried rose petal, gun flint, graphite and hot metal meets metal.
Fantastic! Aged leather, dried rose petal, gun flint, graphite and hot metal meets metal.
Oct 28th, 2018
Birth year wine on my 40th. Still in its prime, just like me.
Birth year wine on my 40th. Still in its prime, just like me.
Jul 23rd, 2016This bottle was a bit tired and a touch heat stressed. Coriander seed, celery leaves, faded plum fruit.
This bottle was a bit tired and a touch heat stressed. Coriander seed, celery leaves, faded plum fruit.
May 8th, 2015
Dad sure put the kibosh on Shiraz night.
Dad sure put the kibosh on Shiraz night.
Jul 21st, 2014
THIS IS HAPPENING!!! Thank you Judy!
THIS IS HAPPENING!!! Thank you Judy!
Dec 25th, 2013Exotic spices tobacco eucalyptus red currant and cherry fruit very nuanced smooth and silky texture with exotic spice and a soft velvety with lovely freshness and still very much alive
Exotic spices tobacco eucalyptus red currant and cherry fruit very nuanced smooth and silky texture with exotic spice and a soft velvety with lovely freshness and still very much alive
Nov 17th, 2013
Birth year wine from my fab hubby. Gorgeously rendered, perfect structure, quite young and modern.
Birth year wine from my fab hubby. Gorgeously rendered, perfect structure, quite young and modern.
Apr 7th, 2013
What an amazing experience!!!! Judy Barrett just broke the bank with this special special wine! I’m honored to share in this
What an amazing experience!!!! Judy Barrett just broke the bank with this special special wine! I’m honored to share in this
Feb 14th, 2020