Parker about Château Lafite Rothschild 1990
Interestingly, a bottle of 1990 Lafite Rothschild I pulled from my cellar for a video blog on my web site was still buttoned down, tight, and even with extended decanting was not showing as much as I would have hoped. However, a bottle tasted, of all places, in Seoul, Korea in February, was only a few points short of perfection. That amazing performance motivated me to pull another bottle out of my cellar and follow it over the course of two days. Sure enough, by the second day the wine was roaring from the glass. The 1990 Lafite has turned out far better than my early assessment. While it still possesses some firmness, and performs like a late adolescent in terms of its evolution, it boasts gorgeous aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and lead pencil shavings. The explosive aromas are followed by a fleshy, full-bodied wine that should hit its peak in 5-8 years, and last for 25-30 more.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux-Pauillac |
Rebsorten | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc |
Alkoholgehalt | 12.50% |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | Red |
Inverkehrbringer | Château Lafite-Rothschild, 33250 Pauillac, France |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 16-18°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2014 - 2046 |
Parker Punkte | 96 |
Jahrgang | 1990 |
Bordeaux-Pauillac, France 🇫🇷
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Château Lafite Rothschild 1990

The 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild is undoubtedly a legend among Bordeaux wines and represents the best of this renowned winery. The 1990 vintage was exceptional for Bordeaux overall, and the 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild is a prime example of this vintage's excellence.
The wine's color is a deep ruby red, underscoring its maturity and concentration. The bouquet is incredibly complex and seductive, with intense aromas of black currants, cassis, dark cherries, and ripe plums, accompanied by subtle notes of cedarwood, tobacco, leather, and a hint of spice.
On the palate, the Château Lafite Rothschild 1990 displays impressive balance, finesse, and elegance. The tannins are silky and supple, giving the wine a velvety texture and depth. The fruity aromas are complemented by complex nuances of truffle, earth, and a subtle mineral note, underscoring its refinement.
The acidity is lively and perfectly balanced, giving the wine freshness, vibrancy, and remarkable longevity. The medium to full body lends it presence and substance. The finish is long, silky, and persistent, with an impressive aftertaste of dark fruits, spices, and a subtle smokiness.
The Château Lafite Rothschild 1990 is undoubtedly a wine for special occasions and unforgettable moments of enjoyment. It is currently reaching its full potential and offers an unparalleled drinking experience that reflects the excellence and tradition of this legendary winery in every bottle.