Parker about Château Lafite Rothschild 2004
The 2004 Lafite-Rothschild appears to be another late-bloomer in the sense that this 12-year-old bottle is the best I have tasted, implying an upward swing in quality. It has a wondrous bouquet, very sensual and pure with blackberry, graphite and cedar - all the hallmarks of Pauillac, delivered with great panache. It is more opulent than I remember. The palate is medium-bodied with silky tannins, pitch-perfect acidity and a beautiful structure. There is a regal sense to this Lafite, understated compared to the other First Growths and yet the persistence on the finish deserves a round of applause, especially in the context of the vintage. This is superb and could possibly turn out to be the pick of the firsts. Tasted September 2016.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux-Pauillac |
Rebsorten | Cabernet Sauvignon 90.5%, Merlot 9%, Petit Verdot 0.5% |
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 | 2020 - 2054 |
Parker Punkte | 95 |
Jahrgang | 2004 |
Bordeaux-Pauillac, France 🇫🇷
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Château Lafite Rothschild 2004

Château Lafite Rothschild 2004 is an elegant wine from the prestigious Pauillac appellation in the Bordeaux region. The 2004 vintage is distinguished by its finesse, balance, and structure, making it a fascinating example of Lafite Rothschild's quality.
The wine presents itself in a deep, vibrant ruby red, indicating its concentration and aging potential. The bouquet is complex and seductive, with aromas of ripe black fruits such as cassis and blackberries, complemented by subtle notes of cedarwood, tobacco, and graphite. Finely nuanced spice notes, a hint of vanilla, and an elegant mineral note lend the wine additional depth and complexity.
On the palate, Château Lafite Rothschild 2004 presents an impressive structure and balanced texture. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth and elegant fullness. The fruit aromas are clear and harmonious, supported by nuances of dark chocolate, mocha, and a fine mineral note. The well-balanced acidity gives the wine a lively freshness and contributes to its impressive complexity.
The finish is long and refined, with lingering fruit and spice notes that delight the palate long after the last sip. The harmonious balance between fruit, tannin, and acidity demonstrates this wine's great potential for further aging and development over many years.
Château Lafite Rothschild 2004 is already an excellent pleasure and will gain even more finesse and complexity with age. A wine of exceptional elegance and quality that impressively reflects the tradition and excellence of the Pauillac appellation and delights wine lovers worldwide.