Lafite Rothschild 2009

The main reason the 2009 Lafite Rothschild did not receive a perfect score is because the wine has closed down slightly, but it is unquestionably another profound Lafite, their greatest wine since the amazing 2003. Among the most powerful Lafites ever made (it came in at 13.59% alcohol), the final blend was 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. The selection was incredibly severe with only 45% of the crop being utilized. A tight, but potentially gorgeous nose of graphite, black currants, licorice and camphor is followed by a full-bodied wine revealing the classic elegance, purity and delineated style of Lafite. It is phenomenally concentrated with softer tannins than the 2005, the 2003's voluptuous, broad, juicy personality, and low acidity. There are several vintages that I thought were a replay of their colossal 1959, most notably 1982 and 2003, but 2009 is also one to keep an eye on. It is still extremely youthful and seems slightly more backward than I would have guessed based on the barrel tastings, but it needs 10-15 years of bottle age, and should last for 50+.

The 2009 Lafite-Rothschild is quite high-toned and expressive on the nose, perhaps the most ostentatious of the top flight 2009s with upfront black cherry and boysenberry fruit, lavish new oak and touches of violet. The palate is sleek and satin-like in feel with copious dark cherry and boysenberry fruit, fig and dates, almost honeyed in texture towards the precocious finish that has an opulent bent, almost hedonistic, unusual for this First Growth. But it is kinda irresistible. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. 2020 - 2050

A subtle and refined wine for the vintage, the 2009 Lafite is pure in blackcurrant and cedar tones on the nose. The palate is gentle and beautifully proportioned with an effortless and deceptive intensity. Still quite compact with the fruit focused and enveloped by cashmere tannins, the pure black fruit is equal to that of the nose. Hints of graphite and cedar come through with the oak wonderfully integrated into the wine. This is subtle and refined, perhaps not the boldest or loudest in 2009, but the evolution and precision in the glass reveals its class. It should only improve with further time in the bottle.

The second you put your nose in the glass, you know that it is 100 points. The combination of sweet tobacco, fresh flowers, currants and sultanas on the nose leaves me breathless. Turns to cocoa powder and freshness. The palate re-enforces the show, with phenomenally polished tannins. Fabulous class. Could be a remake of the phenomenal 1959. Try in 2022.

The deep garnet colored 2009 Lafite Rothschild bursts from the glass with red and black currant preserves, warm plums, mulberries and kirsch scents plus suggestions of sweaty leather, cigar box and menthol. Medium-bodied, elegant and firmly structured, it has wonderful freshness and a long earthy/meaty finish. 2019-2049

Aromatics curl right out of the glass, with restrained cassis interlaced with sweeter spiced berry fruits, crayon, eucalyptus, wet rocks, peony and classically chiselled tannins. Still young, but already totally delicious. Shows so clearly that balance and understatement don't get in the way of intensity and concentration. Unusual to taste Lafite in a lineup with the other wines of the appellation, making it exceptionally enjoyable to confirm the standout quality of the 2009 vintage here. On a different tier, and one with many decades ahead. 100% new oak.

Tasted blind. Crimson with a weak rim. Sweet and racy. Minerals and life. Dry, even slightly drying, tannins and not yet ready but all is tucked in there for a lovely stony future. Sinewy. So long and fresh. 13.5%
Drink 2024-2050

Lafite is currently Bordeaux's most fashionable and hotly demanded wine thanks to the Asian market which has devoured every physically available vintage. Furthermore, with a 98-100 score from Robert Parker for the 2008 vintage the sky is the limit for 2009 Lafite. This won't be cheap! 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot. A classic cedary Pauillac nose. Lots of ripe black fruit but well balanced by some good tannins. Lovely depth and waves of black cherry fruit, very voluptuous and luxurious for Lafite but fine and pure. Very well made as always and beautifully balanced. This will probably be ready to drink before the 2005.

Woodland violets show their fragrance enhanced by the freshness. The palate is rich, powerful fruit in a velvet glove, profound and deep. There are layers of black fruits underpinned by fresher reds, a feeling of power yet charm and sleekness. Drink 2022-2050.

This is an incredible wine, even at this young age. It's rich and dense without being remotely ponderous. Black fruits, a hint of liquorice, stylish, elegant tannins, refreshing acidity and beautiful oak handling. A wine that caresses the palate: bright, silky, wonderful. It's so good you could almost drink it now, but give it another two decades. A shame this will mostly be bought by speculators. Drink 20+ years.

Black purple red, elegant concentration of pure Lafite Cabernets, wild violets, succulent yet restrained fruit, both fleshy and firm, superb middle palate, not massively structured but like a Gothic cathedral: austere on the outside and soaring to great heights in the inside. Drink 2018-50.

This is what the Medoc is all about. The freshness and delicacy of this wine in combination with its serious concentration and firm core are totally stunning. Time has already worked its magic and this is already delicious, but has decades in front of it. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)