Several wines from Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) tasted in London

July 14, 2012

Decanter Master Class back on 20 November 2011, hosted by winemaking director Charles Chevalier along with Decanter publisher Sarah Kemp.

I had already posted on various wine forum boards, but here for now on my website. Catch up wine ball.

What was most striking was the strikes drawn across the labels of the wines we had just enjoyed – to prevent fraud. With an illicit trade in empty bottles all around the world, although particularly in China, one can never be too certain.

 

Wines in bold, I liked particularly. In red and bold, even more. When underlined, the most.

Legende Bordeaux Blanc 2010. A lovely drink, and probably not too expensive – a sign that 2010 really favored white Bordeaux in some respects. Fine acidity, with more Semillon than Sauvignon.

Chateau L’Evangile 2004: Lovely wine, fine chocolat, ripe plum, tobacco leaf, needs time but can be appreciated now, too. If you have the cash.

Chateau Duhart Milon 2005. Contained opulence for me, this wine really impresses. Almost closed at first but a cedar like freshness comes forth with time in glass. A long distance runner that is alas far too expensive because of the Chinese market.  (71% Cab, 19% Merlot)

Carruades de Lafite 2005: Almost equal parts Merlot and Cabernet with a bit of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, this wine is more open and shows such lovely depth on the nose. A distinct juiciness. There is a tannic structure, but very ripe and pure. Superb second wine. Excruciatingly expensive.

Lafite Rothschild 2003. Wow, what cassis. What a sumptuously warm (not hot) wine, with ultra fine balance. It is amazing to taste a 2003 Bordeaux that seems not at all like a typical 2003. This is probably the best 2003 I have ever had, period. And that includes Montrose.

Lafite Rothschild 1995. I dunno. This was impressive but closed. There was  also a vague hint of phenolic but not sure. I certainly found far more pleasure with the Comtesse 1995… A first growth not quite living up to its pedigree? Or just far too young?

Lafite Rothschild 1989. Here is what the 2003 might resemble in a few years? There is a chocolate like richness but balanced by lovely freshness and giving an overall elegant feeling. There is much substance to the palate, but – again – a feeling of balance. Still, I think that the 2003 is somewhat cleaner.

Chateau Rieussec 1^st growth Sauternes 2005. Just a sumptuous wine, with subtle pear matched by zesty grapefruit – and a spicy finish. A really good Sauternes indeed.