Overview
A mature First Growth Pauillac. The 1998 Château Lafite Rothschild is a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend combining classical structure, deep fruit and savoury complexity with the refined, long-lived character associated with Lafite. Now more than two decades from vintage, it continues to show considerable ageing potential.
Vintage
The first three months of 1998 were warm and relatively dry, followed by a cooler, wetter July. August turned notably hot, accelerating ripening, while humid conditions toward the end of September brought maturity forward rapidly. Harvest took place from 24 September to 10 October.
Winemaking
Fruit was vinified parcel by parcel, with alcoholic fermentation carried out at controlled temperatures and regular pumping over. Maceration varied by vat and lasted around 20 days.
After malolactic fermentation, the wines were transferred to French oak barrels. The final Grand Vin selection was made after individual barrel tasting, and the blended wine was aged for approximately 20 months in barrel, primarily new oak.
Producer Tasting Notes
“This vintage has a pleasantly woody, spicy nose; the palate is structured and well balanced, gradually increasing in power with great elegance; the finish is long and characterized by very red, ripe fruit.”
Critic Reviews
96 / 100 — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Tasted June 2018, When to drink: 2018 to 2038
96 / 100 — Falstaff
“Dark ruby, deep core, purple reflections, delicate rim brightening. Nuances of Piedmont cherry on the nose, savoury hints of oak, pickled plum … The palate is dominated by its vivid, supporting tannin core.”
Tasted November 2009
95 / 100 — Decanter
Tasted March 2022, When to drink: 2022 to 2052
94 / 100 — Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“With 2 hours, give or take of decanting, the wine has body and depth, but it's also reticent … Lovers of old-school-styled Bordeaux will probably like this more than I did.”
Tasted August 2021
Awards
3 Stars Coup de Cœur — Le Guide Hachette des Vins, awarded 2002.
Producer
Château Lafite Rothschild is a First Growth estate in Pauillac on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Its principal vineyards lie on the Carruades plateau west of the château, with gravel-rich soils providing excellent drainage and favourable conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon. The Grand Vin is selected rigorously from the estate’s finest parcels and barrels.
Specifications
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Vintage: 1998
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Producer: Château Lafite Rothschild
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Country: France
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Region: Bordeaux
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Appellation: Pauillac
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Classification: 1er Grand Cru Classé
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Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot
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Alcohol: 12.9%
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Fermentation: Controlled-temperature fermentation with regular pumping over
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Maceration: Approximately 20 days
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Maturation: Approximately 20 months in French oak barrels, primarily new oak
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Drinking Window: 2008–2052
