
The 2006 Lafite-Rothschild is a Bordeaux blend from the renowned Pauillac region in Bordeaux, France. Produced by Lafite-Rothschild, this red wine is composed of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. It has a moderate alcohol content of 12.5% and is sealed with a cork.
The wine has garnered widespread acclaim from professional reviewers. Wine Enthusiast awarded it a stellar 96 points, noting its "power" and "density of texture," while emphasizing the dominant wood element. They concluded that it is "a wine for long-term aging," predicting that it would achieve "superb richness" in about 15 years.
Wine Spectator also praised the wine, bestowing it with 95 points. They described it as having "plum, sweet tobacco and blackberry aromas" with a "tight, chewy palate" and "polished, refined tannins." They expect it to get better with age, suggesting it is best after 2014.
Neal Martin’s Wine Journal, another high scorer with 96 points, described the wine as "beautifully balanced with a precise, slightly austere, masculine finish." Neal Martin noted that the wine is currently in recluse but should be ready for optimal drinking in another 10 to 15 years.
Wine & Spirits gave it 94 points, observing that the wine "transforms from the overt richness of puppy fat and new oak to a more supple enigma" over several days. They emphasized that the wine "will require 20 years or more to begin to show its character" and would reward those with patience.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate echoed these sentiments, assigning it 95 points and highlighting its "impressive fruit intensity" and "understated class." They praised its balance and sophistication, suggesting the wine may surprise down the line.
Decanter also rated it 95 points, lauding its "great restraint and power" and predicting it would maintain its quality for another 30 years. They described it as having "juicy cassis and cold ash" with tannins that are just starting to soften.
James Suckling scored it 95 points, complimenting its "blue fruit, iodine, sweet tobacco and lavender" aromas. He noted that the wine is "just starting to open now," but displays "great finesse and pedigree."
Overall, the 2006 Lafite-Rothschild is a wine built for long-term aging, with reviewers consistently highlighting its potential to evolve and improve over decades. Its balance, sophistication, and restrained power make it a standout Bordeaux blend.