Chateau Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac) 2000
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France |
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One of the wines of the century. Robert Parker gave it a perfect score of 100 points.
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Release Notes:
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| Our Rating : |
100 |
| Country : |
France
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| Region : |
Pauillac
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| Grape : |
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| Alcohol : |
12.5% |
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The vineyard was at one time owned by Alexander de Segur, proprietor of Châteaux Latour and Calon Segur. Lafite became public property in 1794, after the owner (the President of the Parliament of Guyenne) had been guillotined in the Revolution. After changing hands a few more times, the Rothschild family acquired the property when it was put up for auction in 1868 and remain the owners today. The second label of Lafite Rothschild is Carruades de Lafite.
The average age of the vines is 44 years and the replanting of these vines takes place in lots. The estate currently consists of 222 acres (planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot) producing 22,000-30,000 cases.
Tasting Notes:
"Well, well, well - Lafite Rothschild does it again. Ever since manager Charles Chevalier was transferred from his beloved Sauternes property of Rieussec (also owned by the Rothschilds) to Lafite in 1994, there has been a succession of profound wines to emerge from this noble estate. The 2000 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.7% Merlot (only 36% of the crop made the grade) has an opaque ruby/purple color, followed by an extraordinary aromatic expression of liquid minerals/stones interwoven with the tell-tale graphite notes, mulberry, black currants, caramel, and tobacco. In the mouth, it is remarkably light on its feet, but somehow seems to pack intense flavors into layer upon layer of fruit and richness that cascade over the palate. A compelling wine, with extraordinary precision, great intensity, and a seamlessness in spite of what are obviously elevated levels of tannin, this wine was provocatively open and beautiful when tasted in January and February, but I am sure it will soon close down. The finish lasted a whopping 72 seconds! This is utterly fascinating stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2050." Robert Parker 100 points (Apr 2003)
