2000 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2000 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
The turn of the millennium bestowed upon us a vintage that has continued to astound the vintners and collectors alike: the 2000 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild. This offering from one of Bordeaux's legendary first-growth vines encapsulates the excellence achievable in viticulture. In this Pauillac classic, the year 2000 has proven to be an exemplar among contemporaries.
The Distinction of Terroir and Time
It was in the favorable climatic envelope of the year 2000 that the vineyards of Chateau Lafite Rothschild flourished, thus bestowing upon the fruit a balance that only can be described as sublime. A harmonious growing season, with just enough stress from nature's strictures, gave rise to grapes touched by optimal ripeness and concentration. The result in bottle is a vivid reflection of its storied terroir: robust yet nuanced, structured yet vibrantly alive.
An Investment Meriting its Vintage
The profile of the 2000 Lafite Rothschild shines with layers of dark berry fruit interlacing with notes of cigar box, graphite, and a whisper of fine herbs—an aromatic tapestry fit for the most demanding palate. On tasting, it presents a richness that commands attention yet never overpowers. Its tannins, matured yet still assuring longevity, make it a cornerstone for fine wine investors who understand the intricacies of bottle evolution.
In the sphere of wine investment, vintages such as this command not just attention but respect. The 2000 Lafite Rothschild emerges as one of the vintages laying claim to an indelible spot in the annals of fine wine history. As such, positioning oneself with this vintage is as much an investment in artistry as it is in assets.
To indulge in the 2000 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild is to partake in a story crafted by both nature and human skill—a tale spun from Bordeaux soil that will reverberate across decades. Eyeing its role within an investment portfolio alongside its sensory opulence reveals a dual identity: both a marker of historical significance, and a wellspring of gustatory pleasure.
Market price (USD)
$11,090.00
12x75cl
Highest score
100
POP score
454
Scores and tasting notes
The nose is fresh, bright, and dense. With aromas of violets, minerals, spices, cool stones, mint, dark fruits, and plum skins, this is beautiful. Very much still a baby right now, it needs much more time. This is a wine for the next generation. Finesse and elegance, truly a wine that makes you contemplate life. This is not about power, there is really nothing like it. 93% Cabernet Sauvignon. Do not even think about touching this for another ten years, 2020.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 23rd 2011
Since I gave this wine a perfect score, I suppose some could see this as a downgrade. I found everything still there for a perfect rating, but I was just struck by how tight and backward the wine was. A blend of 93.3% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, the wine still has a dark ruby/purple color and an extraordinarily youthful nose of graphite, black currants, sweet, unsmoked cigar tobacco, and flowers. The wine is rich, medium to full-bodied, but has that ethereal elegance and purity that is always Lafite. I originally predicted that it would first reach maturity in 2011, but I would push that back by 5-7 years now, although it has 50-60 years of life in front of it. Owners of this beauty are probably best advised to forget it for 5 years. Tasted next to a 1996 several days after the 2000 tasting, the 1996, which is a perfect wine, was far closer to full maturity than the 2000.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2010
Tasted at the IMW Lafite seminar in London. The 2000 Lafite is darker in colour and appears less mature than the 2003. It has a glorious bouquet with very good fruit intensity: blackberry, small dark cherries, crushed stone and a touch of cedar, a quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon nose. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins: broody dark fruit, a touch of sandalwood, graphite and a hint of balsamic. It is very nicely balanced although not as powerful as expected, a wine that is perhaps gone into its shell. The finish is well defined, the graphite element coming through strongly, with a long tail of supple, primal dark fruit lingering in the mouth. Graceful and refined, this is a very assured expression of its terroir. Tasted February 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012