2013 Chateau Lafite Rothschild Premier Cru Classe, Pauillac 1x750ml

Vinous 90

The 2013 Lafite-Rothschild is a slightly muddled nose, and certainly, compared directly with the other Rothschild, there is not the same level of delineation and complexity. The palate is thankfully better with mint and eucalyptus on the entry. It’s moderate depth with a pastille-like style. The 2013 doesn’t really deliver First Growth sophistication on the finish. It’s a First Growth chugging along on two cylinders instead of four, yet you’ll still finish drinking your glass. Tasted at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On tasting. [Neal Martin, 08/08/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2033

Robert Parker 90

The 2013 Lafite-Rothschild is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and just 2% Merlot. It has a straightforward, focused, undergrowth and tobacco-scented bouquet, nicely defined if perhaps missing the complexity and nuance of recent vintages. The palate is supple on the entry with notes of tart cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of graphite. It is certainly approachable for Lafite-Rothschild, balanced, though missing structure and density towards the sappy finish. It is a lightweight Lafite-Rothschild that does improve with aeration as it did in barrel, yet it never scales the heights of the greatest vintages from this First Growth. [Neal Martin, 09/28/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030