Introducing the 2016 Lafite-Rothschild from Pauillac, Bordeaux. This wine is a true gem, a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot, with 15% of the press wine contributing to the blend this year. With a deep purple-black color that captivates the eye, this wine slowly reveals the most gorgeous perfume. Aromas of kirsch, lilacs, black raspberries, and warm blackcurrants fill the air, accompanied by underlying nuances of cigar box, rose hip tea, cloves, licorice, and pencil lead. A waft of garrigue adds an intriguing touch.
Medium-bodied and built like a brick house, this Lafite-Rothschild has a firm yet beautifully ripe, finely pixelated tannic backbone. The seamless freshness supports the amazing intensity of black fruits and floral layers. It finishes very long and provocatively perfumed, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.
Renowned wine critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown, from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, awards this wine an impressive score of 99 points, describing it as "amazing intensity of black fruits and floral layers." James Suckling, from jamessuckling.com, goes even further, awarding it a perfect score of 100 points, calling it "one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted."
The wine enthusiasts at Wine Enthusiast also praise this Lafite-Rothschild, awarding it 99 points and hailing its density, richness, and enormous promise. The revered publication Vinous gives it a score of 98 points, highlighting its seductive bouquet and medium-bodied palate with fine, saturated tannins.
Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, concludes that this Lafite-Rothschild is "legendary stuff all the way," awarding it a perfect score of 100 points. Jeff Leve, from TheWineCellarInsider.com, praises its serious depth of color, wonderful purity in the fruit, and silky, elegant palate.
Decanter magazine also gives it a perfect score of 100 points, noting the sweetness of the fruit and its promise for aging. Lastly, Wine Spectator awards it 98 points, calling it a real stunner with a deep well of dark fruit flavors and a rigid structure.
In conclusion, the 2016 Lafite-Rothschild is a wine that demands attention. With its outstanding reviews and scores, this wine is a true masterpiece. It promises to age beautifully and is destined to be remembered as one of the great Bordeaux wines of our time.