1988 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Vinous 96

The 1988 Lafite-Rothschild is the best of the triumvirate that ended the decade. Another bottle vindicates that view. It shows an intense bouquet with graphite-tinged black fruit mixed with cedar aromatics that seem to effortlessly cruise as Lafite is wont to do. The palate is beautifully balanced and blossoms in the glass. The 1988 has svelte, finely chiseled tannins. Tobacco notes appear towards the finish. This quintessential Lafite-Rothschild is even better than the bottle popped open at the chateau six years ago. Tasted at the 1988 Bordeaux dinner at Noble Rot Mayfair. [Neal Martin, 02/07/2024]

Anticipated maturity: 2024-2050

Robert Parker 94

Tasted 7 Times Since Bottling With Consistent Notes Broodingly backward and in need of considerable bottle age, the 1988 is a classic expression of Lafite. This deeply-colored wine exhibits the tell-tale Lafite bouquet of cedar, subtle herbs, dried pit fruits, minerals, and cassis. Extremely concentrated, with brilliantly focused flavors and huge tannins, this backward, yet impressively endowed Lafite-Rothschild may well turn out to be the wine of the vintage! Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 31/10/1994]

Anticipated maturity: 2000-2035