2008 Pauillac, Château Lafite-Rothschild
About Producer
Lafite’s 112ha vineyard sits on a thick layer of gravel on marl and limestone subsoil, at the northern limits of Pauillac. The largest plot of vines is on the hillsides around the château, where the land rises to 27m forming a ‘fite’, a mound in Médoc vernacular, hence the name Lafite. Long before the French market was interested by Bordeaux reds, in 1732-1733, Sir Robert Walpole, prime minister of King George I, bought a barrel of Lafite every 3 months.
Varietals
Blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot and 4% cabernet franc.
About Appellation
Largest town in the Médoc and slighly more elevated than its surrounding area, Pauillac has always played an important role in the wine trade, notably when the city of Bordeaux lost its privilege and monopoly of wine exports to England in the 18th century. The vineyards cover 1,213ha and sit on well-drained sand and gravelly soils, with the best sites being located on rolling mounds, called 'croupes', that reach their highest point at 30m above sea level. Cabernet sauvignon is the predominant grape variety, albeit always blended with merlot, and to a lesser extent, with cabernet franc and petit verdot. Pauillac is home to 18 grands crus classés in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, including Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton-Rothschild (since 1973) as first growths.
Tasting Notes
Alluring nose of dark fruits, cigar box, cedar, pencil shavings, undergrowth and floral scents, intense mouthfeel with dense texture, excellent concentration and good weight, multilayered flavours of blackberry, black cherry, currant, plum, almond, liquorice and menthol intermingled with graphite mineral undertones, well-knit acidity and powdery tannins leading onto a long, elegant finish. Clearly not on a par with the two vintages that followed, this 2008 is somewhat denser and more structured than the 2004 and 2006. Though not having the typical Lafite ethereal grace and charm, this is a very enjoyable wine with sophisticated class, composed poise and enthralling complexity. With its unmistakably Lafite breed in full display on the palate, it’s richer, riper and more powerful than usual, yet everything is held in faultless balance. I particularly love the stunning freshness and extraordinary fruit purity that unfold pleasantly throughout the incredibly persistent aftertaste. At 15 years old, it’s at the very beginning of its drinking window and is actually a very pleasurable bottle to sip while waiting for Lafite of greater years to mature. (10/2023)