2013 Lafite Rothschild
By Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2013 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac, Bordeaux
When assessing the meticulously crafted vintages that leisurely emanate from the storied Chateau Lafite Rothschild, one finds the 2013 Lafite Rothschild to be a captivating chapter in their illustrious anthology. This particular harvest faced a year brimming with challenges, making its remarkable quality a testament to the resilient spirit and indomitable expertise of the Pauillac titan.
The Vintage's Character: A Triumph over Adversity
The 2013 vintage across Bordeaux was not without its tribulations; yet within this framework, Chateau Lafite Rothschild has sculpted a creation of finesse. The growing season was marked by late blossoming and a summer that hesitated to unfurl its warmth fully. Nevertheless, under such pressing skies, the fruit for the 2013 Lafite Rothschild battled through to reach a state of remarkable balance and intensity.
On the nose, this vintage is shy at first but offers a labyrinth of nuanced fragrances upon closer acquaintance. Subtle whispers of dark cherries and cassis intermingle with the estate's hallmark graphite essence. The palatial texture on the palate is a tapestry of finely knit tannins and echoes of spice, which resolve into a finish that is both silken and enduring.
Investing in Complexity and Elegance
The 2013 Lafite Rothschild stands as an emblem for connoisseurs enticed by complexity borne of adversity. This vintage captures an alluring duality—both a tenacious spirit and an understated elegance that promises rewarding maturity. With its defined structure and depth, it emerges not only as an entrancing indulgence but also as a prudent addition to any wine investment portfolio seeking diversification through storied provenance and resilient vintages.
Connoisseurs will surmise that this wine's capacity to enchant will burgeon over time, unveiling new dimensions as it evolves in repose. Thus investing in the 2013 Lafite Rothschild from Chateau Lafite Rothschild accords one not merely an asset with potential for appreciation but indeed an evolving narrative enshrined within each bottle—a confluence of history, artistry, and resilience.
Market price (USD)
$6,010.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
410
Scores and tasting notes
The Grand Vin is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot. The latter was apparently difficult to assimilate with the Cabernet, gradually adding 1% at a time and finally, electing 2% as the optimal amount. As usual, I spent 10+ minutes with my sample, as it is never as immediate as say, Latour or Chateau Margaux. It has an elegant bouquet with a fine violet scent that became more accentuated with time. There is plenty of dark cherry and blackcurrant fruit, a touch of pencil shavings that becomes more pronounced with aeration. The palate is a little austere because of the dominance of the Cabernet Sauvignon, although that 2% Merlot does take the edge off the finish, rounding out any edges. The aftertaste has that attractive saline tincture, but here a little spicier and longer than its peers. This is a traditional Pauillac; a success for the vintage and a wine that I think will improve in bottle rather than in barrel. A steadfast Lafite. Tasted April 2014.
Neal Martin - Wine Advocate - Wine Journal
The 2013 Lafite-Rothschild is a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and just 2% Merlot. It has a straightforward, focused, undergrowth and tobacco-scented bouquet, nicely defined if perhaps missing the complexity and nuance of recent vintages. The palate is supple on the entry with notes of tart cherry, wild strawberry and a touch of graphite. It is certainly approachable for Lafite-Rothschild, balanced, though missing structure and density towards the sappy finish. It is a lightweight Lafite-Rothschild that does improve with aeration as it did in barrel, yet it never scales the heights of the greatest vintages from this First Growth.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016
Only one-third of the tiny 2013 crop made it into the 2013 Lafite Rothschild, which may be the lowest rated Lafite produced in the last twenty years. Composed of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, only the 1994 (99% Cabernet Sauvignon) and 1961 (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) had higher percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. The 2013 possesses a dark ruby color, but it does not reveal much of the Lafite Rothschild character in the aromatics or flavors. Elegant, with dark cherry fruit interwoven with underbrush and damp wood-like notes, it narrows in the mouth, and while it is above-average, possibly even excellent, it is hardly an inspiring wine. At its price point, it is a major underachiever in this vintage.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014