2004 Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac

Only 39% of production was used for the Grand Vin and with a whopping 90.5% Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (the balance being 9% Merlot and 0.5% Petit Verdot) the 2004 Lafite needed little introduction. This wine has one of the most exciting noses - intense, spicy, pure cassis and a generous helping of creamy vanilla. The palate is just as exciting, exhibiting terrific concentration and a hint of warm new oak which leads to an intense, linear core of lively blackcurrants and layers of intriguing minerality. The Cabernet was very evident on the finish with the variety's characteristically firm tannins taking over at the end, making this one for the long term.

Ripe cassis, hint of plum skin. Solid, well-made good integration of oak, tannins ripe and not at all intrusive. Quite long, fine, lovely!
(4/5 stars- Decanter, Wines of the Year- December 07) 

This beautiful, stunningly dense purple-colored effort (includes about 90% Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up precise notes of graphite, black cherries, cassis, scorched earth, and minerals. Medium to full-bodied with fabulous fruit, impressive richness, refreshing acidity, and sweet tannin, this beauty should be approachable in 4-5 years, and last for three decades. As Lafite Rothschilds go, this is somewhat of a sleeper vintage.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Jun 07 )