Tasting Notes
Vinous – 95
The 2015 Lafite-Rothschild is slightly higher in tone than the Mouton-Rothschild on the nose, with scents of blackberry, iodine, cedar and crushed violet emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied and harmonious, with plush tannins, a keen line of acidity, impressive grip and precision on the finish. This has gained complexity in recent years, hence my slightly higher score. Tasted at the 2015 Ten-Year-On tasting at Bordeaux Index and blind at Farr Vintners with consistent notes.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2052
JancisRobinson.com – 17
Tasted blind. Rather dull crimson. Very shaded towards the rim. Sweet and well integrated on the nose. Then fresh and lively on the finish. The acidity on the end is just a little sharp though. Tannins insist on the end. Lighter than some. Spearmint. Lafite? (JR)
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2042
Robert Parker – 96+
"The deep garnet-purple shaded 2015 Lafite Rothschild is blended of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot and was matured for 20 months in new oak barrels from Tonnellerie des Domaines (their own cooperage). It is still sporting a lot of cedar at this nascent stage with a vibrant core of black raspberries, red currants and crushed plums plus touches of cigar boxes, violets and underbrush with a waft of tilled loam. Medium-bodied and elegantly styled with wonderful freshness and depth, it is compellingly earthy/minerally in the mouth with a frame of seductively silky yet very firm tannins and culminating in a very long, racy and pure finish. Boasting spectacular finesse and packed with nuances, clearly, given some of the challenges here in 2015, this is a masterpiece of diligence in the vineyards, careful selection and very clever crafting-bravo!"
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2045
