Top Vintages
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Top Vintages
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Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
The 2016 La Violette was one of the turn-ups for the books at this tasting, for what I have previously found to be an excellent Pomerol is evolving into a showstopper. It has a brilliant bouquet with incredibly well-defined red fruit laced with cedar and truffle, utterly graceful and the oak beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, finely tuned acidity and gentle grip toward the long, tender finish. Pure class and nobility. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.Inc. TAX€2,218.38 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 1982 Lafite Rothschild is at the peak of its powers today, and the two bottles I drank this year were both exceptional. Wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries and blackcurrants mingled with notions of cedar chest, cigar box, camphor and dried flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with an effortlessly elegant, harmonious profile and a long, fragrant finish. While this is far from being the most powerful Médoc of the vintage, it is among the most pleasurable.Inc. TAX€34,318.38 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89-93)
Very good deep red color. Complex aromas of black cherry, currant, chocolate, herbs, licorice and tobacco leaf. Fairly sweet and dense on the palate, with very good concentration and firm acidity for the year. This is aged in 100% new oak, but the wood is very much in the background. Finishes very long and subtle, with excellent grip and a suggestion of earthy terroirInc. TAX€4,804.42 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Fabulous for the vintage. Very grapey, with dark fruits and cured tobacco, leading to a cedar and berry undertone. Full-bodied, with round and rich fruit and big, velvety tannins, yet with all in reserve. A generous, seductive young wine that surprises you with its length. Score range: 95-100Inc. TAX€5,224.38 -
Inc. TAX€6,148.38 -
James Suckling (95)
The aromas of Lafite in 2013 are complex and fascinating with cigar box, Spanish cedar, and dark fruit. Hints of hot stone. Full body, chewy tannins yet very polished and refined. Solid density on the palate. Very long and impressive. This needs three to five years to open. Very impressive for the vintage.Inc. TAX€5,602.38 -
Wine Enthusiast (100)
This is a great vintage from Lafite. The profile is rich in feel, with a seriously firm tannic structure. Solid, complex and with great authority, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine is impressively dense in dark-fruit tones. It will age for many years. Drink from 2027, although that would almost be too soon.Inc. TAX€5,170.38 -
Beautiful colour and depth. Black berry and some sloe fruit. Svelte palate and thickly layered texture. Tightly wound but clearly exceptionally crafted. A fine Lafite that lives up to expectations, potentially outperforming its fellow First Growths.Inc. TAX€4,882.38 -
The Wine Independent (100)
The 2018 Lafite Rothschild is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a little swirling to unlock notes of baked plums, boysenberry preserves, and crème de cassis, with touches of menthol, Indian spices and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling, spicy black fruits with velvety tannins and a long, energetic finish.Inc. TAX€4,330.38 -
Wine Advocate (100)
One of the greatest wines produced in Bordeaux this year is the 2019 Lafite Rothschild, an impeccably balanced classic of immense charm and grace. Wafting from the glass with arresting aromas of cassis, blackberries and cherries mingled with violets, cigar box and warm spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, its velvety attack segueing into a layered, concentrated mid-palate framed by exquisitely powdery tannins and ripe acids, and concluding with a long, perfumed finish. This rivals the 2010 and 2016 as the greatest Lafite of the decade, and of those three vintages, it's clearly the most sensual and demonstrative out of the gates. The blend contains fully 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and attained a modest 13.4% alcohol.Inc. TAX€4,846.38 -
James Suckling (100)
Amazing aromas here with tobacco, crushed stone, cigar box, currants, tar, and lead pencil, as well as spices, iron, and dried ginger. Medium- to full-bodied, with a density and tightness. Very compact and complex. Racy. Delicacy with strength. Orange peel undertones. A wine to contemplate. You must understand it to understand the great Lafites of the past and those of the future. Only 12.8% alcohol. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2030, but drink it if you have the chance taste it.Inc. TAX€4,552.38 -
James Suckling (97-98)
Polished and refined with a firm, fine and linear tannin structure. Harmonious. Perfumed violets, roses and subtle licorice. All in balance here, with precise layers of black fruit, minerals and pencil lead. Rather seamless. Firm, yet fine and sleek to the end. Very classy. Fine-velvet texture. 96% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot and 1% petit verdot.Inc. TAX€4,478.87 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 1999 Lafleur flies under the radar between the feted 1998 and 2000 vintages. However, it should not be under-estimated. It has a lucid deep color. The bouquet is not dissimilar to the previous bottle tasted in 2012, blessed with pure blackberry and briary scents, hints of gravel that render it not a million miles away from a Left Bank. The palate is very well balanced and seems silkier than ever. Whilst it does not possess the mineral core of the 1998, it has a disarmingly pure and graceful finish. Whilst not a Lafleur of immense length or grandeur it is approachable and beautifully crafted. Tasted at the “International Wine & Business” Lafleur dinner at Ten Trinity, London.Inc. TAX€4,924.38 -
James Suckling (97)
Complex aromas of blackberry and whole white truffles with hints of wet earth and stones. Full body and structured with gorgeous, velvety tannins, but reserved and polished. Very long finish with fabulous fruit. Goes on for minutes. This is all class: the red wine of the vintage. Better in 2019.Inc. TAX€2,692.38 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The 2012 Lafleur is high-toned on the nose with liquorice and blueberry scents, lavender oil and wild heather. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy, red berry fruit laced with brown spices, cracked black pepper, cedar and tobacco, almost dovetailing into a Médoc-like finish. This is one of the few Pomerols that require further time in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.Inc. TAX€3,921.98 -
James Suckling (93-94)
This is very St.-Estephe, with blackcurrant, lead pencil, graphite and crushed stone. Medium-bodied, linear and structured. Excellent finish. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. 13.35% alcohol. 3.75 pH.Inc. TAX€1,429.81 -
(3x150cl) 2023Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
This is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. Will absolutely deliver for fans of classical Left Bank Bordeaux with its slate tannins, savoury Cabernet black and blue fruits, fresh leaf tea, tobacco, raspberry leaf, spiced sage and lusicous mouthwatering signoff. 51hl/ha yield.Expected Price Range€221 - €262 -
(3x150cl) 2023James Suckling (96-97)
This is really classic in character, with a fine tannin structure and medium body. It starts slowly and then accelerates quickly into intense black cherries, currants and a salty note. Savory and subtle. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€405 - €481 -
(3x150cl) 2023Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94-96)
The 2023 Laroque might be the best wine David Suire has made since taking over here a few years ago. What I admire most about Laroque is its classicism—there is plenty of that on display here. Bright acids and persistent beams of supporting tannin frame dark-toned fruit, lavender, rose petal, graphite and sweet spice in a Saint-Émilion that impresses with its vibrancy and delineation. Superb. Tasted two times.Expected Price Range€136 - €162 -
Wine Advocate (100)
1982 was a great vintage—relatively warm and prolific, producing wines of richness and depth. The 1982 Latour has a medium garnet-brick color and then pow!—it belts out powerful notes of star anise, dried roses, sandalwood and new leather with a core of kirsch, blackberry tart, dried mulberries and blackcurrant pastilles. Full-bodied, rich and spicy with bags of fruit and tons of savory fireworks, it finishes with epic persistence.Inc. TAX€24,016.60 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)
The 2005 Latour was mind-blowingly profound in two recent tastings for this report. Deep and sensual to the core, the 2005 is utterly captivating. All the elements are so seamlessly put together. Graphite, crème de cassis, licorice, dark spice and lavender infuse the 2005 with so much energy. More than anything else, though, the 2005 is a Latour of texture and resonance. Even after several hours, the 2005 is fresh and full of energy. Wines like this are just life affirming. That's about all I can really say. Tasted two times.Inc. TAX€8,470.42 -
James Suckling (99)
So much violets, licorice, pencil, flowers and currants define this on the nose before it moves to fresh mushrooms. It’s full-bodied yet compacted with tension and a compressed center palate. Incredible, fine-grained tannins and energy. The length is truly great. Should be even more beautiful in 2024. Give it time.Inc. TAX€4,012.38 -
James Suckling (99)
Ripe and very powerful aromas of black licorice, currants and violets. Full-bodied, dense and flavorful with lots of very new, flashy wood. Sexy and gorgeous. Round and polished tannins. Superb wine for the vintage.Inc. TAX€3,436.60 -
James Suckling (94-95)
There’s depth and beauty to this wine. It offers crunchy fruit, a chalky undertone and a hint of raw coffee bean. Medium body. Fine tannins. Bright and transparent. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.Inc. TAX€1,429.81 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A lovely, dense white with pretty phenolic tension and dried-apple and peach character. Medium to full body. Phenolics give this tension.Inc. TAX€1,183.98 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.Inc. TAX€937.67 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Very plush and tannic with full body and lots of structure and intensity. Top second wine. Very solid and quite muscular with fine tannins and texture.Inc. TAX€1,324.54 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.Inc. TAX€1,102.79 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2019 Le Merle de Péby Faugères is laced with sumptuous black cherry fruit, chocolate, new leather, spice and graphite. This racy second wine offers tons of immediacy and overall appeal. Attractive, savory top notes complement the Merlot fruit nicely.Inc. TAX€572.95 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)
In the running for the top second wine of the vintage, the 2018 Le Petit Cheval checks in as 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and has incredible quality for a second wine. Floral notes of black cherries, graphite, and smoked earth all emerge from this medium to full-bodied Saint-Émilion that has plenty of classic Cheval Blanc elegance and purity as well as length. It’s already seamless and hard to resist, and ideal for drinking over the coming two decades or so.Inc. TAX€1,588.38
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Vinous - Neal Martin (98)
The 2016 La Violette was one of the turn-ups for the books at this tasting, for what I have previously found to be an excellent Pomerol is evolving into a showstopper. It has a brilliant bouquet with incredibly well-defined red fruit laced with cedar and truffle, utterly graceful and the oak beautifully integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, finely tuned acidity and gentle grip toward the long, tender finish. Pure class and nobility. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.In Bond€1,830.00 -
Wine Advocate (98)
The 1982 Lafite Rothschild is at the peak of its powers today, and the two bottles I drank this year were both exceptional. Wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries and blackcurrants mingled with notions of cedar chest, cigar box, camphor and dried flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, with an effortlessly elegant, harmonious profile and a long, fragrant finish. While this is far from being the most powerful Médoc of the vintage, it is among the most pleasurable.In Bond€28,580.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (89-93)
Very good deep red color. Complex aromas of black cherry, currant, chocolate, herbs, licorice and tobacco leaf. Fairly sweet and dense on the palate, with very good concentration and firm acidity for the year. This is aged in 100% new oak, but the wood is very much in the background. Finishes very long and subtle, with excellent grip and a suggestion of earthy terroirIn Bond€3,985.00 -
Wine Spectator (100)
Fabulous for the vintage. Very grapey, with dark fruits and cured tobacco, leading to a cedar and berry undertone. Full-bodied, with round and rich fruit and big, velvety tannins, yet with all in reserve. A generous, seductive young wine that surprises you with its length. Score range: 95-100In Bond€4,335.00 -
In Bond€5,105.00
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James Suckling (95)
The aromas of Lafite in 2013 are complex and fascinating with cigar box, Spanish cedar, and dark fruit. Hints of hot stone. Full body, chewy tannins yet very polished and refined. Solid density on the palate. Very long and impressive. This needs three to five years to open. Very impressive for the vintage.In Bond€4,650.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (100)
This is a great vintage from Lafite. The profile is rich in feel, with a seriously firm tannic structure. Solid, complex and with great authority, this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine is impressively dense in dark-fruit tones. It will age for many years. Drink from 2027, although that would almost be too soon.In Bond€4,290.00 -
Beautiful colour and depth. Black berry and some sloe fruit. Svelte palate and thickly layered texture. Tightly wound but clearly exceptionally crafted. A fine Lafite that lives up to expectations, potentially outperforming its fellow First Growths.In Bond€4,050.00
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The Wine Independent (100)
The 2018 Lafite Rothschild is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a little swirling to unlock notes of baked plums, boysenberry preserves, and crème de cassis, with touches of menthol, Indian spices and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling, spicy black fruits with velvety tannins and a long, energetic finish.In Bond€3,590.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
One of the greatest wines produced in Bordeaux this year is the 2019 Lafite Rothschild, an impeccably balanced classic of immense charm and grace. Wafting from the glass with arresting aromas of cassis, blackberries and cherries mingled with violets, cigar box and warm spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and seamless, its velvety attack segueing into a layered, concentrated mid-palate framed by exquisitely powdery tannins and ripe acids, and concluding with a long, perfumed finish. This rivals the 2010 and 2016 as the greatest Lafite of the decade, and of those three vintages, it's clearly the most sensual and demonstrative out of the gates. The blend contains fully 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and attained a modest 13.4% alcohol.In Bond€4,020.00 -
James Suckling (100)
Amazing aromas here with tobacco, crushed stone, cigar box, currants, tar, and lead pencil, as well as spices, iron, and dried ginger. Medium- to full-bodied, with a density and tightness. Very compact and complex. Racy. Delicacy with strength. Orange peel undertones. A wine to contemplate. You must understand it to understand the great Lafites of the past and those of the future. Only 12.8% alcohol. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2030, but drink it if you have the chance taste it.In Bond€3,775.00 -
James Suckling (97-98)
Polished and refined with a firm, fine and linear tannin structure. Harmonious. Perfumed violets, roses and subtle licorice. All in balance here, with precise layers of black fruit, minerals and pencil lead. Rather seamless. Firm, yet fine and sleek to the end. Very classy. Fine-velvet texture. 96% cabernet sauvignon, 3% merlot and 1% petit verdot.In Bond€3,710.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 1999 Lafleur flies under the radar between the feted 1998 and 2000 vintages. However, it should not be under-estimated. It has a lucid deep color. The bouquet is not dissimilar to the previous bottle tasted in 2012, blessed with pure blackberry and briary scents, hints of gravel that render it not a million miles away from a Left Bank. The palate is very well balanced and seems silkier than ever. Whilst it does not possess the mineral core of the 1998, it has a disarmingly pure and graceful finish. Whilst not a Lafleur of immense length or grandeur it is approachable and beautifully crafted. Tasted at the “International Wine & Business” Lafleur dinner at Ten Trinity, London.In Bond€4,085.00 -
James Suckling (97)
Complex aromas of blackberry and whole white truffles with hints of wet earth and stones. Full body and structured with gorgeous, velvety tannins, but reserved and polished. Very long finish with fabulous fruit. Goes on for minutes. This is all class: the red wine of the vintage. Better in 2019.In Bond€2,225.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (95)
The 2012 Lafleur is high-toned on the nose with liquorice and blueberry scents, lavender oil and wild heather. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy, red berry fruit laced with brown spices, cracked black pepper, cedar and tobacco, almost dovetailing into a Médoc-like finish. This is one of the few Pomerols that require further time in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.In Bond€3,250.00 -
James Suckling (93-94)
This is very St.-Estephe, with blackcurrant, lead pencil, graphite and crushed stone. Medium-bodied, linear and structured. Excellent finish. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 4% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. 13.35% alcohol. 3.75 pH.In Bond€1,169.02 -
(3x150cl) 2023
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
This is very much in the character of Lagrange over the past few years, showing precision and confidence in its construction, finessed and elegant, with St Julien balance and reserved power. Will absolutely deliver for fans of classical Left Bank Bordeaux with its slate tannins, savoury Cabernet black and blue fruits, fresh leaf tea, tobacco, raspberry leaf, spiced sage and lusicous mouthwatering signoff. 51hl/ha yield.Expected Price Range€221 - €262 -
(3x150cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
This is really classic in character, with a fine tannin structure and medium body. It starts slowly and then accelerates quickly into intense black cherries, currants and a salty note. Savory and subtle. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€405 - €481 -
(3x150cl) 2023
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94-96)
The 2023 Laroque might be the best wine David Suire has made since taking over here a few years ago. What I admire most about Laroque is its classicism—there is plenty of that on display here. Bright acids and persistent beams of supporting tannin frame dark-toned fruit, lavender, rose petal, graphite and sweet spice in a Saint-Émilion that impresses with its vibrancy and delineation. Superb. Tasted two times.Expected Price Range€136 - €162 -
Wine Advocate (100)
1982 was a great vintage—relatively warm and prolific, producing wines of richness and depth. The 1982 Latour has a medium garnet-brick color and then pow!—it belts out powerful notes of star anise, dried roses, sandalwood and new leather with a core of kirsch, blackberry tart, dried mulberries and blackcurrant pastilles. Full-bodied, rich and spicy with bags of fruit and tons of savory fireworks, it finishes with epic persistence.In Bond€19,995.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)
The 2005 Latour was mind-blowingly profound in two recent tastings for this report. Deep and sensual to the core, the 2005 is utterly captivating. All the elements are so seamlessly put together. Graphite, crème de cassis, licorice, dark spice and lavender infuse the 2005 with so much energy. More than anything else, though, the 2005 is a Latour of texture and resonance. Even after several hours, the 2005 is fresh and full of energy. Wines like this are just life affirming. That's about all I can really say. Tasted two times.In Bond€7,040.00 -
James Suckling (99)
So much violets, licorice, pencil, flowers and currants define this on the nose before it moves to fresh mushrooms. It’s full-bodied yet compacted with tension and a compressed center palate. Incredible, fine-grained tannins and energy. The length is truly great. Should be even more beautiful in 2024. Give it time.In Bond€3,325.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Ripe and very powerful aromas of black licorice, currants and violets. Full-bodied, dense and flavorful with lots of very new, flashy wood. Sexy and gorgeous. Round and polished tannins. Superb wine for the vintage.In Bond€2,845.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
There’s depth and beauty to this wine. It offers crunchy fruit, a chalky undertone and a hint of raw coffee bean. Medium body. Fine tannins. Bright and transparent. 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc.In Bond€1,169.02 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A lovely, dense white with pretty phenolic tension and dried-apple and peach character. Medium to full body. Phenolics give this tension.In Bond€968.00 -
James Suckling (95-96)
This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful.In Bond€759.00 -
James Suckling (96-97)
Very plush and tannic with full body and lots of structure and intensity. Top second wine. Very solid and quite muscular with fine tannins and texture.In Bond€1,085.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Lots of iodine and oyster-shell aromas, together with blackberry and black cherry, following through to a medium to full body. Polished yet slightly chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Grilled orange. 70.4% merlot, 18.2% cabernet sauvignon and 11.4% cabernet franc.In Bond€897.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2019 Le Merle de Péby Faugères is laced with sumptuous black cherry fruit, chocolate, new leather, spice and graphite. This racy second wine offers tons of immediacy and overall appeal. Attractive, savory top notes complement the Merlot fruit nicely.In Bond€455.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)
In the running for the top second wine of the vintage, the 2018 Le Petit Cheval checks in as 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc and has incredible quality for a second wine. Floral notes of black cherries, graphite, and smoked earth all emerge from this medium to full-bodied Saint-Émilion that has plenty of classic Cheval Blanc elegance and purity as well as length. It’s already seamless and hard to resist, and ideal for drinking over the coming two decades or so.In Bond€1,305.00
Bordeaux's relatively diverse weather, particularly its rainfall, means that vintage variation can be quite broad between some years. However advances in wine making techniques, technology and investment has meant that many chateaux are still able to create very good wines in "lesser vintages". From the best vintages wines are made that are clambered for all over the world and mature excellently for many years.
This is a selection of some of our favourite vintages from Bordeaux over the last few decades, as well some more recent ones.
