The aromas of Lafite in 2013 are complex and fascinating with cigar box, Spanish cedar, and dark fruit. Hints of hot stone. Full body, chewy tannins yet very polished and refined. Solid density on the palate. Very long and impressive. This needs three to five years to open. Very impressive for the vintage.

Almost entirely Cabernet Sauvignon (98%), this structured and dense wine is packed with concentrated dark fruits that are firm, showing intense acidity and freshness under the dark tannins. It's classic Bordeaux, with fruit and tannins in equal measure and needing time. Drink from 2024.

Aromatically restrained at present, with lurking blackcurrant fruit but moderate lift and zest. More weight and concentration on the palate, which shows both juiciness and light tannins. The lowish alcohol ensures a youthful austerity and this is one of the few 2013s that should improve, though it will never dazzle. Long finish.

(NM91-93 points) 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.

Almost 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and as is often the case with Lafite, one of the lowest alcohols on display. Attractive softly-spoken brambled dark fruits, charcoal and slate. It needs a slow approach, let it open and unfurl in the glass to showcase the fine tannins and smudge of charcoal smoke. Even the 'off' vintages at Lafite have a great potential to clock up a few decades in them, so I would bet on this going for a while yet, but you are getting the best of it now, and it lacks the clarity and complexity of the best years.

(90-92 points) Tobacco, cassis and gravel open the perfume, transitioning to a medium-bodied, polished and fresh—but slightly short and light, cherry finish. From a blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, the blend is the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend since 1994. Before that, 1961 was produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. From yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare, the wine represents 33% of the harvest. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2013&wine=Chateau%20Lafite%20Rothschild

Features a charcoal coating, along with singed bay and tobacco leaf notes, melding pleasantly with the core of lightly steeped black currant and bitter plum fruit. Shows ample length and depth, with the grip striding through the finish. This should be among the long-lived wines of this modest vintage. Best from 2018 through 2028. 16,000 cases made. — JM

The 2013 Lafite Rothschild is medium garnet in color. Scents of cassis, raspberry pie, and redcurrant preserves waft from the glass, followed by suggestions of graphite, black olives, crushed rocks, and bay leaves. The medium-bodied palate features impressive tension, with tight-knit red berry and herbal layers and a grainy, only slightly chewy texture, finishing with good length.