Pauillac, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
The 1985 Lafite-Rothschild is only a modest success in the context of the vintage. Here, it is totally outclassed by the 1985 Las Cases. Light, slightly loose-knit red berry fruit on the nose is complemented by warm gravel and smoky aromas, though it lacks a bit of energy. The palate is nicely balanced, not powerful but focused, with adequate freshness. As mentioned in my previous tasting note, this has dispensed with some density in recent years, and if your expectations are modest, it remains enjoyable. Tasted at Hameau de Barbaron in Burgundy. (Neal Martin Vinous, December 2019)
The 1985 Lafite-Rothschild is only a modest success in the context of the vintage. Here, it is totally outclassed by the 1985 Las Cases. Light, slightly loose-knit red berry fruit on the nose is complemented by warm gravel and smoky aromas, though it lacks a bit of energy. The palate is nicely balanced, not powerful but focused, with adequate freshness. As mentioned in my previous tasting note, this has dispensed with some density in recent years, and if your expectations are modest, it remains enjoyable. Tasted at Hameau de Barbaron in Burgundy. (Neal Martin Vinous, December 2019)
Dirt and tree bark on the nose, reasonably balanced for it's age with a longer than expected sour cherry finish.
Dirt and tree bark on the nose, reasonably balanced for it's age with a longer than expected sour cherry finish.
Jan 19th, 2017
Impeccable wine. On point. There is no doubt that the vineyards are great and the team was top notch.
Impeccable wine. On point. There is no doubt that the vineyards are great and the team was top notch.
Jan 1st, 2017Did a side by side with Petrus (I know, I was slumming tonight). Petrus held better on the finish, Lafite more appealing on the initial nose, but faded quickly. Overall, the win goes to Petrus.
Did a side by side with Petrus (I know, I was slumming tonight). Petrus held better on the finish, Lafite more appealing on the initial nose, but faded quickly. Overall, the win goes to Petrus.
Dec 15th, 2016Great to try a piece of history. Fruit has receded a bit and secondary notes are coming through. A bit of tobacco and cigar box-classic.
Great to try a piece of history. Fruit has receded a bit and secondary notes are coming through. A bit of tobacco and cigar box-classic.
Oct 22nd, 2016Slightly thin, musty and metallic on the finish (perhaps storage was challenged)
Slightly thin, musty and metallic on the finish (perhaps storage was challenged)
Sep 7th, 2016
Amazing. Drinking remarkably young. Much life left in this bottle indeed.
Amazing. Drinking remarkably young. Much life left in this bottle indeed.
Dec 1st, 2015
Served in magnum and its elegance mineralogy and soft fruit revealed a life well aged. Lovely way to end the nantucket wine festival at La Fete
Served in magnum and its elegance mineralogy and soft fruit revealed a life well aged. Lovely way to end the nantucket wine festival at La Fete
May 17th, 2015
