1982 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
1982 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 1982 vintage from Chateau Lafite Rothschild stands as a monumental chapter in the annals of fine wine investment, a year that quintessentially showcases the prodigious nature of its Pauillac terroir. My affair with this particular vintage is one that spans decades, closely charting its evolution from a remarkable young wine into an extraordinary testament to time itself.
Impeccable Pedigree: A Vintage Embraced by Time
Drawing from a year hailed for near-perfect weather conditions in Bordeaux, the 1982 Lafite Rothschild exhibits a marvellous culmination of climate and winemaking mastery. The season’s generous sunshine and optimal rainfall forged a harvest that allowed for grapes achieving impeccable ripeness, balance and concentration.
Eloquence in Age: The Spirit of 1982
Stately and composed, the 1982 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild divulges a polished discourse of dark cherries, blackcurrants, and hints of cedar and tobacco that have evolved beautifully. There is a lingering whisper of graphite tinged with the essence of Pauillac's gravelly soils—a classic hallmark of the regional terroir. With substantial structure yet finesse, the opulent tannins have softened over the decades to promote an exceptionally smooth palate experience.
This vintage possesses an expansiveness that fills the senses, retaining an impressive vitality that keeps intact its luxurious profile. It is the dance between power and elegance that makes this particular investment-grade wine a cornerstone for connoisseurs seeking dimension and depth within their collections.
In the tapestry of Bordeaux’s venerable history, there are few threads as golden or as captivating as the 1982 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild. As I reflect on its journey and my own alongside it, this legendary Pauillac continues to enchant and reaffirm its esteemed stature with each bottle opened—a storied vintage truly worthy of the cellar and investor's portfolio alike.
Market price (GBP)
£28,350.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
1575
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy’s 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. This is the second time I have tasted the Lafite ’82 this year and both bottles have been exemplary. Here it has a brilliantly defined nose of black fruit, graphite and limestone that has an electrifying intensity – a brightness undimmed over three decades. The palate displays outstanding balance, a little more feminine than Latour and quintessentially “Lafite” rather than “1982”. Fleshy and opulent towards the finish, yet not flamboyant or as extrovert as Mouton, this is just a fabulous Lafite that should plateau for many years. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013
This is a denser version of the 1990 that stylistically reminds me of what the young 1959 probably tasted like. Still backward with a deep ruby/plum color revealing only a touch of lightening at the edge, the wine offers up an extraordinary nose of caramelized herbs, smoke, cedar, pen ink, black currants, and earth. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, plump, rich, fleshy wine with low acidity. With 6-8 hours decanting in a closed decanter, it will offer beautiful drinking, but it needs another 5-8 years to reach full maturity. It is capable of lasting 50-60 years. This classic Lafite is not as fat and concentrated as the 1982 Latour, nor as complex or concentrated as the 1982 Mouton Rothschild, but it is a winner all the same. Release price: ($350.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2009
I am impressed with the loads of ripe fruit with almost dried raspberries and blackberries and a minty undertone on the nose. It's full bodied, with bay leaf, berries that turn to mineral undertones. It's full-bodied, with round tannins and a lingering finish of chocolate, cedar and other woods. I would leave it another three to four years to soften and open just a tiny bit; otherwise, decant three hours in advance.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, November 20th 2010