This famous First Growth is often described as perfumed, elegant and delicate, and one of the finest wines in Bordeaux. According to Baron Eric de Rothschild, Chateau Lafite has a beautiful, generous, and kindly soul that turns bare earth into heaven. The blend for this grand vin varies from vintage to vintage, but is typically 80-95% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5-20% Merlot, with the balance from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.


**2003 Lafite-Rothschild [Bordeaux Blend] 750**

The 2003 Lafite-Rothschild is a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed region of Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. Produced by Lafite-Rothschild, this red wine, sealed with a cork, boasts an alcohol content of 12.5%.

The wine has received high praise from numerous professional reviewers, highlighting its exceptional quality and aging potential.

**Wine Spectator** awarded the wine a score of 96, noting its “subtle complex aromas of berries, licorice, and currants.” The publication described it as “full-bodied with well-integrated tannins and a long finish.” The review emphasized the wine’s “wonderful length and finesse,” recommending it as best consumed after 2012.

**Wine Enthusiast** gave an even higher score of 97, calling the wine “a splendid” example of its kind. The review highlighted the wine's powerful yet elegant presence, with “black fruits, immensely powerful tannins, and flavors of black figs, dates, and cocoa.” The review pointed out a “vibrant acidity” that promises longevity, suggesting that this wine will age gracefully.

**James Suckling** was particularly impressed, rating the wine at 98 and praising its “spicy and rich” profile with a “tobacco and berry character on the nose and palate.” He described it as “full-bodied, with soft velvety tannins” and noted its “sexy and exciting” nature, recommending it be left for five or six years to reach its full potential.

**Robert Parker's Wine Advocate** awarded the wine a perfect score of 100, likening it to some of the finest Lafites of the past three decades. The review praised its “dense ruby/purple color,” “luxurious bouquet of cedarwood, lead pencil shaving, white chocolate, cocoa, and cassis,” and its “fat, rich, opulent and full-bodied” character. Parker highlighted its “low acidity and stunning seductiveness and complexity,” suggesting it will hold for 20-25 years.

**Vinous** offered a slightly more reserved score of 94, noting an “attractive perfumed bouquet” and a “spicy opening.” The review mentioned that the wine's “sharp acidity slightly jars against the sweet candied black fruit,” suggesting that decanting could help.

**Jeff Leve** from TheWineCellarInsider.com rated it at 99, describing it as “supple, ostentatious, showy and also, rich with layers of ripe, red berries, cedar, herbs, tobacco leaf, and spice.” He noted its “full, deep and concentrated” nature with an “opulent finish.”

**Wine & Spirits** gave the wine a score of 93, mentioning a “spicy, layered, modernist impression” from the new oak. The review highlighted the wine's “aristocratic austerity” and suggested it would become more accessible with a decade or more in the bottle.

In summary, the 2003 Lafite-Rothschild is a highly acclaimed wine, praised for its complexity, elegance, and aging potential. With scores ranging from 93 to a perfect 100, it is clear that this wine is a standout in the 2003 vintage.