Château Lafite Rothschild, one of Bordeaux’s most illustrious First Growth estates, is revered for its finesse, purity, and remarkable ageing capacity. With centuries of heritage and an unwavering commitment to precision, Lafite consistently produces wines that reflect elegance above all. The 1999 vintage is a beautifully refined, early-maturing expression of this iconic Pauillac château.
Vineyard
Lafite’s vineyards occupy Pauillac’s most distinguished gravel croupes, with deep gravel and limestone soils that provide perfect drainage and deliver the estate’s hallmark graphite, cedar, and mineral lift. Old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone of the blend, supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot in small proportions. Strict fruit selection ensures that only the finest parcels contribute to the grand vin.
Vintage
1999 was a warm and generous vintage across the Médoc, producing wines of charm, freshness, and early approachability. While less powerful than the surrounding blockbuster years, the top estates — Lafite among them — created wines of purity, balance, and graceful ageing potential. Today, the 1999 vintage shows beautifully evolved complexity.
Tasting Notes
The 1999 Château Lafite Rothschild displays a bright garnet colour with a soft, mature rim. Aromas of redcurrant, cassis, cedar, graphite, dried flowers, and cigar box rise elegantly from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, refined, and silky, offering lifted red fruit, savoury earth, and classical Pauillac minerality. Fine, resolved tannins and fresh acidity give the wine a long, graceful finish. A subtle, beautifully balanced Lafite drinking in an ideal window.
Critics’ Acclaim
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Admired for its finesse, aromatic purity, and early elegance
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Considered one of the most charming and accessible late-1990s Lafite vintages
Technical Information
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Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux
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Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé (First Growth)
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Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant
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Alcohol: ~12.5%
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Drinking Window: Now–2035
A Collectible Gem
The 1999 Château Lafite Rothschild is a beautifully refined and mature Pauillac — elegant, aromatic, and effortlessly drinkable. A superb choice for collectors seeking a graceful, classical Lafite from an early-maturing vintage.
