The 2012 Lafite-Rothschild is a Bordeaux Blend from the Pauillac sub-region in Bordeaux, France. Known for its elegance and depth, this wine has received high praise from several notable reviewers.
Wine Spectator awarded the wine a score of 94, noting its "dark, smoky edge from the start, with smoldering tobacco and grilled savory notes lining the core of steeped plum, macerated black currant and lightly mulled cherry fruit." The review mentions its "admirable range, depth and grip," but also hints at the vintage’s austerity, suggesting it will be best enjoyed from 2018 through 2030.
James Suckling gave the wine an excellent score of 95, highlighting its "superb structure for the vintage with blackcurrants, cedar, mushroom and sweet tobacco character." He praised its full-bodied nature, impressive density, and long finish, recommending it be best enjoyed starting in 2020.
Wine Enthusiast provided the highest score of 96, describing the wine as showing "the serious side of Lafite." The review emphasizes its powerful tannins and ripe black currant fruits, underlined by the dominant presence of Cabernet Sauvignon. It also mentions the wine's "strength while also having great freshness," recommending it be consumed starting in 2024.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 91, noting that the wine represents only 38% of Lafite-Rothschild's total production. The review describes it as "a very stylish, elegant, yet concentrated Lafite Rothschild" with "soft well-integrated tannins, nice integrated oak, acidity and alcohol." Parker suggests it will reach its prime between 2020 and 2035.
Vinous, with a score of 93, commends its well-defined nose featuring "slightly leafy black fruit, pencil shavings and cedar." The review describes it as "elegant and composed," suggesting a few more years of aging for optimal enjoyment.
Jane Anson, awarding it 95 points, describes the wine as "savoury bilberry, cassis and liquorice, with softer edges of tobacco and brushed leather." She calls it a "take-your-time, unfurl-slowly kind of wine," showcasing "graceful, sinewy muscles."
Decanter rated it 94, noting its "strong tannin backbone" and "elegant fragrance that is Lafite’s hallmark," but also mentions variability in bottles.
Lastly, The Wine Independent also rated it 95, praising its "very spicy, exotic notes and wafts of incense over a core of creme de cassis, stewed plums, and fruitcake," with a "velvety texture and bags of freshness."
Overall, the 2012 Lafite-Rothschild is a highly regarded wine, with notable complexity, excellent structure, and a range of rich, nuanced flavors.