Lafite-Rothschild Pauillac 1982

i've had the ridiculous luck of having this wine twice in 2 years in france with my family. both occasions were singular experiences in wine tasting. one bottle we had with nothing but a fresh baguette and cheeses from la seneri. the way this wine complemented the exquisite roquefort only enhanced one the other. this wine and the '86 were as good i ever could imagine wine could be.

June 2008

IWC 95+ (8/2002): Good full, deep red. Slightly high-toned, highly nuanced nose of currant, roasted meat, cedar, marzipan, smoke and tobacco. Supple on entry, then firmed by sound acids. Still quite unevolved but seems distinctly less deep than the bottle of '59 I tasted alongside it. A rather muscular style of Lafite, finishing with big, tongue-dusting tannins. Drink 2005 through 2030. 93(+?). My second bottle showed a darker red-ruby color; higher-pitched aromas of redcurrant, cedar, orange peel and coconut; a bright, very tight palate impression, with strong acidity contributing read more...to the impression of steely spine; and a very subtle and very long, firmly tannic finish. This bottle seemed even less evolved than the first sample.    (hide)

October 2008

Parker review: This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what theyoung 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum colorrevealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up anextraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants,and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich,fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, itwill offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach fullmaturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. read more...This classic Lafite is not asfat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same.(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Jun 09)    (hide)

August 2009

Rating: 0/5 - As reviewed by Decanter Deep red; gorgeously rich nose, ripe and cedary and opulent; soft, plummy, very concentrated, soft tannins, lacks a little vigour and spiciness, but needs time; quite good length.

Parker score: 97+/100

August 2009

In stock limited

February 2009