2002 Chateau Lafite Rothschild 750ml

Overview

A classical expression of one of Bordeaux's most revered First Growth estates, the 2002 Château Lafite Rothschild reflects the finesse, aromatic purity and restrained structure associated with Pauillac. The vintage has developed into an elegant, traditional Lafite, with recent critical assessment indicating that well-cellared bottles can continue to evolve into the 2040s.

Vintage

2002 was a cooler, more traditional Left Bank vintage, followed by a late but successful harvest. Careful vineyard management and strict selection helped Lafite produce a refined and structured wine characterised more by precision and balance than sheer power.

Vineyard

Château Lafite Rothschild's vineyards occupy the gravelly soils of Pauillac, with Cabernet Sauvignon forming the foundation of the grand vin alongside other traditional Bordeaux varieties. The site's deep gravel and underlying limestone provide excellent drainage and contribute to the estate's distinctive mineral and structured style.

Critic Reviews

94 Points — Jean-Marc Quarin
Tasted December 2025
Drinking Window: 2008–2025.

94 Points — Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Tasted April 2024
“Still youthful, the wine is on the bright, crisp, crunchy side of the style range. The red berries are quite vibrant, with a mint, herb, tobacco, and cedar coating on the palate, and in the sweet, and tart, cherry, cranberry, olive, herb, and citrus finish. This is quite classic in an old-school style. Drink from 2024-2042.”

92 Points — Falstaff
Tasted November 2009
“Dark ruby garnet, deep core, violet reflections, delicate edge brightening. On the nose, chocolaty nuances of dark berries, a hint of wood spice, some nougat. Fresh on the palate, with red berry and lemon nuances, shows a racy style, a crisp young wine, salty-mineral notes, smoky spicy notes in the aftertaste. ! Ageing +30 years”

Producer

Château Lafite Rothschild is one of Bordeaux's five Premier Grand Cru Classé estates under the 1855 Classification. Located in Pauillac, it is celebrated for wines built around finesse, aromatic detail and exceptional longevity, with Cabernet Sauvignon traditionally playing the leading role in the grand vin.

Specifications

• Vintage: 2002
• Producer: Château Lafite Rothschild
• Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend
• Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé, 1855 Classification
• Wine Style: Red Wine
• Drinking Window: 2024–2042