Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2020

JAMES SUCKLING: "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."

WEINWISSER: "Was für ein royaler Duft, Wildkirsche, Johannisbeernektar, Brasiltabak und dunkles Graphit. Im zweiten Ansatz Sandelholz und Oliven. Am sublimen Gaumen mit seidiger Textur und perfekt ausgereiftem Tanningerüst, reiht sich ein in die großen Lafite-Jahrgänge. Im konzentrierten Finale rotbeerige Konturen, tiefgründige Mineralik und nicht enden wollendes Finale – was für eine Schönheit! «Cabernet was the King»."

JEB DUNNUCK: "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."

DECANTER: "An utterly brilliant Lafite - a sense of understated charm, it’s certainly not shouting but delivers a bright, sharp, joyous sensation. Almost subtle in its presentation with delicacy and refinement on show yet such clear power underneath. An incredible aromatic display with ripe black fruits, pepper, liquorice and crushed stones - calm, controlled and contained with beautiful tannin integration and a chalky, salinity on the finish. Supremely complete with mass appeal."

FALSTAFF: "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)"

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The compelling nose, with its showy notes of lead pencil, tobacco leaf, cedar, cigar box, currants, spice and wet forest leaf comes through easily. The palate is pure silk in texture. Seamlessly moving from the beginning, middle and end, the wine is fresh, bright, long and intense. The purity in the fruit, paired with its energy and lift linger for more than 50 seconds. Refined, elegant, complex and compelling, if you have the patience to wait for 15-20 years before opining a bottle, this is going to be one of the great vintages for Lafite Rothschild. The wine is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot 12.8% ABV. The harvest took place September 14 - October 4. With yields of 37 hectoliters per hectare, the Grand Vin represents 45% of the harvest."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "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."