Lafite Rothschild - Pauillac 2006 (750ml)
Price: $1300.00
| Producer | Lafite Rothschild |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | Pauillac |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 2006 |
| Sku | 6481B |
| Size | 750ml |
Wine Advocate: 97 Points
One of the fabulous surprises although I had suggested last year that it could jump in quality of my tastings the 2006 Lafite Rothschild is a great great wine made from a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon 16% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. When I tasted it from barrel it reminded me of their successful 1988 but it is dramatically superior to that vintage. Frankly it may turn out to be as good as the 2005 which in all of Bordeaux is a far greater vintage than 2006. Lafite?s severe selection process (42% made it into the grand vin) resulted in a full-bodied wine boasting an extraordinary perfume of charcoal truffles lead pencil shavings and sensationally sweet ripe black currant and cedar notes. A wine of extraordinary intensity texture and depth with silky tannins as well as awesome concentration this has turned out to be a remarkable Lafite Rothschild that should be drinkable much earlier than the 2005 but age for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035+.
Wine Enthusiast: 96 Points
As so often with Lafite it is power that marks this wine. That and density of texture. The additional element in this vintage and at this stage of the wine?s development is a dominant wood element. The vanilla and tannins from the wood match well with the concentrated tannins of the fruit which is dark dense and tight. This is a wine for long-term aging: in 15 years this will have superb richness.
Vinous: 95+ Points
Good full ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of cassis graphite and cedar chips lifted by peppery and floral high notes. Densely packed and superconcentrated but light on its feet with compelling flavors of spicy berries and minerals. The very long slow-building finish stains the palate with flavor. Very backward but not austere; and unlike some recent vintages of Lafite which could appear deceptively light in the early going this showcases its density and ripeness from the outset. I have the impression that most of the less-ripe fruit was declassified into the far lighter Carruades de Lafite (87) which shows a distinctly cool style for the year.
vWine Spectator: 95 Points
Plum sweet tobacco and blackberry aromas follow through to a full body offering a tight chewy palate yet with polished refined tannins. Very long and caressing. This turns to a muscular and toned young wine. Gets better and better with age. Best after 2014. 23330 cases made.
