The 2016 Lafite-Rothschild is a Bordeaux blend composed predominantly of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot. Hailing from the Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France, this wine is produced by the esteemed Lafite-Rothschild winery. It has earned high praise from multiple reviewers, with several awarding it a perfect score, emphasizing its exceptional quality and potential for aging.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated the wine at 99 points, describing it as "deep purple-black in color" with a "gorgeous perfume of kirsch, lilacs, black raspberries, and warm blackcurrants" (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 12/1/2018). The wine is medium-bodied, with finely pixelated tannins and a provocative, long finish.
James Suckling awarded the wine a perfect 100 points, noting its "incredible aromas of crushed berries, sweet tobacco, and wet earth" (James Suckling, 2/4/2019). He highlighted its full-bodied, dense, and powerful nature, calling it a "muscular Lafite" and recommending it be tried after 2025.
Jeb Dunnuck also gave the wine a perfect score, describing it as "one of the greatest young Bordeaux I’ve ever tasted" (Jeb Dunnuck, 2/28/2019). He praised its "massive, heavenly array of blackcurrants, cedar pencil, graphite, tobacco, and incense" and its flawless construction. Dunnuck noted that it would be drinkable in 7-8 years and could last for 50-75 years or more.
Vinous provided multiple reviews, with Neal Martin awarding it 97 points and noting its "rich and powerful nose" and "well-balanced palate with firm, grippy tannins" (Neal Martin, 8/1/2020). Another review by Martin, scoring it 98 points, described the wine's "beautiful bouquet" and "medium-bodied palate with fine, saturated tannin" (Neal Martin, 1/24/2019).
Wine Enthusiast also rated the wine at 99 points, highlighting its "density and richness" and the "ripeness of the tannins" (Wine Enthusiast, 5/1/2019). The reviewer emphasized its enormous aging potential, suggesting it be enjoyed from 2026.
Decanter's review, which gave the wine a perfect 100 points, noted the "sweetness of the fruit" and its "tight construction of tension and classicism" (Decanter, 10/8/2018). The wine's ripeness and promise were highlighted, suggesting it would age comfortably for many decades.
Wine Spectator, scoring the wine at 98 points, described it as a "real stunner" with a deep well of dark currant, fig, blackberry, and black cherry paste flavors (Wine Spectator, 3/31/2019). The review emphasized its rigid structure and mouthwatering feel, recommending it be enjoyed from 2025 through 2045.
The Wine Independent also rated the wine at 98 points, noting its "muscular black fruits and mineral layers" and its long, earthy finish (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, 12/8/2022). The reviewer suggested the wine needs a lot of time to fully develop.
Overall, the 2016 Lafite-Rothschild is highly lauded for its complexity, balance, and aging potential, making it a standout vintage from an iconic producer.