Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2020 Château Lafite-Rothschild is a sensational effort checking in as 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that hit 12.8% natural alcohol and a pH of 3.94. As Lafite as Lafite gets, this ultra-classic reveals a dense ruby/plum hue as well as a tight, yet layered bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, graphite, and subtle spice. Flawlessly balanced, deep, concentrated, and layered, it has an incredible mid-palate, building, perfect tannins, and a finish that leaves you salivating. Refined, elegant, and perfection are the buzz words here. Unfortunately, it's not for the instant gratification crowd, and I wouldn't be surprised to see this require 15 years to hit the early stages of its prime drinking window. It will probably hit its 100th birthday in fine form.
The 2020 Lafite Rothschild opens in the glass with a deep bouquet of cassis, black truffle, pencil shavings and violets. Full-bodied, fleshy and layered, its broad attack segues into an ample core of fruit framed by supple, melting tannins. Seamless, layered and complete, it's richer and deeper pitched than the 2019, and its notably high pH of 3.94 likely means it will never shut down. It's a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, incorporating just a touch more Merlot from the plateau of Carruades than the 2019.
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.
Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, tiefer Kern, zarte Randaufhellung. Etwas verhalten, zart nach Cassis, reife dunkle Waldbeeren, frische Pflaumen, kandierte Orangenzesten. Komplex, engmaschig, reife Herzkirschen, feine Ribiseln, finessenreicher Säurebogen, seidige Tannine, mineralisch-salzig, sehr lange anhaftend, ein verführerischer Wein von großer Frische und Delikatesse, bereits sehr gut entwickelt, zarte Süße im Abgang, sicheres Entwicklungspotenzial für viele kommende Jahre. (2030–2070)
Neal Martin beschreibt den Wein als Quintessence was Lafite ausmacht. Er lobt das grosse Reifepotenzial und gibt ihm einige Jahrzehnte
Antonio Galloni beschreibt den Lafite 2020 als super klassisch. Er lobt die Komplexität und die Eigenschaften eines warmen und eines kühlen Jahres, die sich in diesem Wein vereinen. Natürlich ist Reife nötig, gibt er seinen Lesern mit auf die Reise.
