2008 Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac

With succulent, juicy fruit and a gravely minerality throughout, Lafite’s 2008 Grand Vin has the beautiful elegance so typical of this grand chàteau. Its restrained style sometimes shrouds its brilliance at en primeur tastings but the 2008 Grand Vin displays all the qualities of a wine which will develop into a fantastic First Growth: the tannins are ripe and silky, the cassis-laden fruit is intense and fine, and the savoury finish seems endless. Time is required to add flesh to the bones of this Lafite but at its peak it will be stunning.

Subtle purplish crimson. Sumptuous nose – almost Mouton-like (whereas Mouton seems to be making a more Lafite-like wine in 2008). Richer and riper than some earlier vintages of Lafite with even a hint of sweetness. Medium tannins and a dry finish but not the ballerina-like lift that I associate with Lafite. Not much lift or real aromatic interest – but perhaps we were too hurried through the tasting room to appreciate its finer points? Both Julia and Steven Spurrier tasting alongside me were more enthusiastic. Cab. Sauvignon 83%, Merlot just 13%.
(Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com - Apr 09)

A candidate for the -wine of the vintage,- the 2008 should have been purchased before it began to soar in value because of the significance of the number 8 in the Chinese culture (denoting good luck). Representing 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc offers aromas of high quality unsmoked cigar tobacco, lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, earth, cedar and asphalt. Full, rich and stunningly concentrated, I doubt it is inferior to the 2010, just more classic as well as slightly more forward and a degree weaker in alcoholic potency (12.5% versus 13.5%). The 2008 should be relatively drinkable in 6-10 years as it is already showing remarkable complexity and breed, and will last for 30-35 years...at the minimum.
(Robert Parker- Wine Advocate- May 2011)

The 2008 Lafite Rothschild is one of the most profound young wines I have ever tasted. Representing only 40% of the production, this blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 4% Cabernet Franc boasts an opaque ruby/purple color (one of the darkest Lafites I have seen in 30 years) as well as an extraordinary, blockbuster aromatic profile of lead pencil shavings, forest floor, black fruits, licorice, and a hint of unsmoked, high-class cigar tobacco. In the mouth, a massive richness is accompanied by a freshness, delineation, nuance, delicacy, and mind-boggling density. Even after three decades of tasting, I am still astonished when tasting such a prodigious wine as this. This wine should evolve for 30-40 years and last 50 or more.
(Robert Parker- Wine Advocate - Apr 09)