Lot 12
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1996 (6, OWC) WA 98
![CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1996 (6, OWC) WA 98](/media2/1070/waddingtons-4c4bd53e65ea4d64112a4d039e806e0f.jpg)
Lot 12 Details
CHÂTEAU LAFITE ROTHSCHILD 1996 (OWC)
Pauillac. 1er Cru Classé
The 1996 Lafite-Rothschild was remarkably deep in color considering that it is now 20 years in age. The bouquet is classic Pauillac with pencil shavings and sous-bois infusing the black fruit, masculine and a little aloof, yet focused and very well delineated. The palate is very well balanced with crisp blackberry and boysenberry fruit, spicier than I recollect, a crescendo of flavors so that it seems understated at first but fans out with a sense of confidence towards the finish. I think this still has more to give so cellar it away for another 5-8 years if you can, but otherwise this is an exemplary Lafite-Rothschild that I can envisage getting better and better in bottle, if not quite as enthralling as either Mouton-Rothschild or Château Margaux. Tasted July 2016. Drink: 2020-2050 WA 98