The 1999 Lafite-Rothschild Bordeaux Blend from the Pauillac region of Bordeaux, France, is a notable wine from a challenging vintage. This wine, produced by the esteemed Lafite-Rothschild, features a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.5% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 1.5% Petit Verdot. The alcohol content is relatively low at 11.0%.
Reviewers have praised the 1999 Lafite-Rothschild for its balance and elegance. Neal Martin from Vinous rated it 92 points, noting its clean and detailed bouquet with "black currant, raspberry, melted tar and cedar developing in the glass." He found the palate medium-bodied, harmonious, and brushed with a "subtle pepperiness toward the finish" (Vinous, 9/1/2019).
Wine Spectator gave the wine an excellent score of 94 points, highlighting its "wonderful dark chocolate with raspberry and currant undertones." This review emphasized the wine's full body, soft silky tannins, and long finish, suggesting it would be best enjoyed after 2012 (Wine Spectator, 3/1/2010).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 93 points, describing it as "entering adolescence and beginning to show very well after an hour in the decanter." William Kelley mentioned its "aromas of rich dark fruit mingled with cigar box, loamy soil, spices and subtle animal top notes." He noted the wine’s muscular and concentrated nature, with lively acids and assertive tannins (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 3/1/2022).
Jancis Robinson also rated the wine 93 points, appreciating its transparency and liveliness. She described it as "fresh, appetising and already swallowable," though not one of Lafite's most intense productions (Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages, 6/25/2009).
Decanter matched Wine Spectator's score of 94 points, praising its "sweet fruit and spice on the nose" and "silky, supple" texture that eventually shows a firm tannic grip. The review noted that despite the less-than-promising year, the wine drinks well now and should last for the mid-term (Decanter, 3/1/2022).
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also gave it 93 points, describing it as "quite young, but fine to drink today" with flavors of "forest leaf, tobacco, cedar, cassis, cherry and spice notes." He highlighted its softly textured, fresh, and spicy red fruits in the finish (TheWineCellarInsider.com, 4/16/2017).
In summary, the 1999 Lafite-Rothschild is a well-balanced, elegant wine that has aged gracefully. While it may not be one of Lafite's most concentrated productions, it still offers complexity and a delightful tasting experience.