Lafite Rothschild 2006 (750ML)

96 WE / 96 WCI / 95+ VM / 95 WA / 95 JS / 95 DE / 17.5 JR

As so often with Lafite, it is power that marks this wine. That, and density of texture. The additional element in this vintage, and at this stage of the wine's development, is a dominant wood element. The vanilla and tannins from the wood match well with the concentrated tannins of the fruit, which is dark, dense and tight. This is a wine for long-term aging: in 15 years this will have superb richness. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

Tightly knit, as you would expect at only 9 years age, this blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot starts off with an earthy, forest floor, cedar chest, smoke, tobacco and cedar wood nose. Full bodied, structured and showing a crisp, firm, yet, elegant and ripe Cabernet Sauvignon character, with the tannins and concentration to age, this demands 10-20 more years before the fun starts. - Wine Cellar Insider

Good full ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of cassis, graphite and cedar chips, lifted by peppery and floral high notes. Densely packed and superconcentrated but light on its feet, with compelling flavors of spicy berries and minerals. The very long, slow-building finish stains the palate with flavor. Very backward but not austere; and unlike some recent vintages of Lafite, which could appear deceptively light in the early going, this showcases its density and ripeness from the outset. I have the impression that most of the less-ripe fruit was declassified into the far lighter Carruades de Lafite (87), which shows a distinctly cool style for the year. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London and then blind at Farr Vintners tasting. The 2006 Château Lafite-Rothschild offers impressive fruit intensity on the nose, although it does not have the precision of the 2006 Mouton-Rothschild. Red berry fruits intermingle with rose petals and sous-bois scents - very typical Lafite bouquet where less can be more. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a keen line of acidity. It is certainly very well balanced with graphite-tinged black fruit, but whereas Mouton-Rothschild possesses that peacock's tail, Lafite remains linear. Nevertheless, the sophistication really comes through here. It is a Lafite-Rothschild that may spring a few surprises down the line, one of those wines that keeps drawing you back. Understated class. Tasted April 2016. - Wine Advocate, Neal Martin

The aromas of blue fruit, iodine, sweet tobacco and lavender follow through nicely to the palate that’s medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins and a long, cool finish. Still a little tight, but show great finesse and pedigree. Just starting to open now. - James Suckling

Such a rich (but keeping-it-elegant) Lafite nose. Great restraint and power here: Lafite always knows when to advance and when to retreat. This displays juicy cassis and cold ash, with perfectly worn tannins that are just starting to soften, but have so much ahead. It should maintain this level for another 30 years, whilst moving into its second, third and fourth life along the way. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Tasted blind. Very rich and lively and gamey. Thick and solid. Set for the long term. Tough tannins on the end but admirably fresh. - Jancis Robinson