Chateau Lafite Rothschild Pauillac 1996 is a top-tier, legendary red wine from a First Growth Bordeaux estate, and a vintage that received a perfect 100-point score from renowned wine critic Robert Parker. This wine perfectly showcases the ultimate elegance, complexity, and astonishing aging potential of the Pauillac appellation in Bordeaux, France.
Overview & Profile
- Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growth)
- Grape Blend: Roughly 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot (varying slightly by source data)
- Alcohol Content: 13%
- Aging: Aged for about 20 months in 100% new French oak barrels made by the estate's own cooperage.
Tasting Notes & Characteristics
- Visual: Deep red in color, with the edges beginning to subtly tinge with a mature orange-red hue.
- Appearance: Deep, remarkably dark ruby color with slight mature brick or orange highlights.
- Aroma: Extremely complex and layered. Upon opening, it reveals classic Pauillac aromas of pencil shavings, cedar, wood, and blackcurrant, which then transform into elegant notes of violet, black cherry, sandalwood, and delicate spices.
- Palate: Exceptionally balanced with ultra-fine, silky tannins, vibrant medium-high acidity, and incredible structural layering that unfolds slowly on the palate with a very long finish.
- Taste: Medium to strong acidity, exceptionally balanced, with captivatingly fine, gritty tannins. The wine unfolds in a three-dimensional, surround-sound-like fashion on the palate, with an exceptionally long and flawless finish.
Wine serving and drinking suggestions
- Decanting Time: This perfect-score wine doesn't require excessive decanting. It's recommended to open the bottle 2-3 hours beforehand and let it sit to observe its aromas; typically, the full bloom will occur after about 3 hours.
- Storage and Current Status: It possesses unfathomable aging potential and still tastes vibrant and structured today. With proper storage conditions, it can continue to age for many more years.
