Lafite Rothschild 2003 Ex-Chateau (750ML)

100 RP / 99 FS / 99 WCI / 98 JS / 97 WE / 18 JR

A modern day version of the 1959 Lafite, the 2003 Lafite Rothschild was bottled in mid-May, 2005 after achieving 12.9% natural alcohol hardly an astonishing figure given the vintage's weather conditions. A combination of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, it represents a ripe version of the essence of Lafite-Rothschild. Dense purple-colored, with classic notes of graphite intertwined with melted licorice, creme de cassis, smoke, and flowers, it reveals extraordinary richness, opulence, power, purity, intensity, and viscosity. Whether this wine will close down or not is questionable as it is somewhat atypical given its sweetness and softness. Analytically, there are extremely high tannins, which I suspect will assert themselves in the future. Production in 2003 was less than half of normal. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2050. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate

It has been several years since I lasted this wine, and the years have been kind to the wine. Now, it is supple, ostentatious, showy and also, rich with layers of ripe, red berries, cedar, herbs, tobacco leaf, and spice. The wine is full, deep and concentrated with an opulent finish that is drinking just great today.-Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider, tasted 2022

Dark ruby ​​garnet, deep color core, violet reflections, subtle brightening of the edges. Sweet, attractive roasted aromas, exotic wood nuances, hints of cedar, vanilla, coffee, licorice, plus cassis and candied violets. On the palate, full-bodied texture, dark berry fruit, present but silky tannins, structured with finesse, a highly elegant wine full of youthful charm, pleasant caramel notes on the finish, huge length, already very inviting, can still improve.-Falstaff

Spicy and rich, with a tobacco and berry character on the nose and palate I love the nose. Full bodied, with soft velvety tannins that give you so much. This goes on and on. Sexy and exciting right now, but leave this for five or six years. Find the wine. James Suckling

This is a splendid wine. Yes, it is more powerful than the usual aristocratic Lafites, but it still manages to retain a special air of great elegance and presence. The fruits are black, the tannins immensely powerful, the flavors are of black figs, dates, cocoa. At the end, there is a vibrant acidity that shows through, which promises a great life for this great wine.-Wine Enthusiast

Dark crimson. Quite severe and obviously left bank. Strong cassis aromas. A sweet start on the palate. Fine, polished, very classy wine. Obviously elegant and extremely fresh on the finish. Excellent lift with very finely etched flavours. A prime example of how unlike the great majority of 2003 red bordeaux the best of those grown in Pauillac and St-Estèphe are.-Jancis Robinson